I started this page as a way for commuters to stay safe from street crime, but there are other dangers out there. So aside from the crime safety tips, this page will also serve as an index page for different safety articles as they apply to commuters.
Other Safety-related Articles:
Communicate Even When Cellular Networks are Down
Earthquake Preparedness for Commuters
How to Protect Yourself From "Laglag-Bala"
How to Protect Yourself from Extreme Heat
How to Deal with Metro Manila Floods As A Pedestrian
Managing Road Rage: Not Just For Drivers
Philippine Red Cross Hazards App - A Must Have
Common Commuter Etiquette
The Taxi Survival Guide (How To Not Pay More Than You Have To When Using Taxis)
Other Articles:
Is The Metro Manila Commute Still Worth It?
Original Article:
Crime is an unfortunate part of every society, and if you've been around Metro Manila long enough, you would have heard your fair share of stories from friends and loved ones (if you weren't a victim yourself at one time). Much as we wish it weren't the case, a person who uses public transport can be a prime target for street crimes.
Marc "Animal" Mac Young's Pyramid of Personal Safety is a great resource on how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of crime. Here is a short excerpt:
There is no reason to live in fear of crime and violence. There is however reason to take reasonable precautions. And in doing so, you will have deterred most criminals from choosing you as their victim.
The reason is simple, there are thousands of people around who are easier and safer targets. The harder you make it for the criminal to victimize you, the more likely he is to go ply his trade elsewhere. You won't have stopped the criminal from being a criminal, but you will have stopped him from choosing you as a victim.
I highly recommend that you read it.
With that in mind, also take note of these other safety tips that will help you get around the city safe and sound when commuting. These tips build upon the principles of the Pyramid of Personal Safety mentioned above, and while they won't make you crime-proof they will hopefully reduce your chances of being chosen as a target.
1. Avoid displaying valuables that make prime targets for a snatching or hold up. Examples include:
a. Talking on the cellphone or otherwise using the cellphone for long periods while inside the jeep or bus.
b. Wearing flashy jewelry or expensive-looking watches while on the street.
c. Placing your wallet at your back pants pocket.
2. If you're going to use public transport, avoid wearing branded clothes or anything that makes you look as if you have a lot of money or are earning well. Looking drab, ordinary and unnoticeable is actually a good thing.
3. Try walking fast. It will be harder to catch up with you or surround you without the criminal attracting too much attention.
4. Avoid using the bus or jeepney late at night (after rush hour). If possible, hitch a ride home with a friend or ride a cab.
5. If you're going to take a cab, take note of its name, contact numbers and other identifying marks. If possible, ride a cab from mall taxi stands since mall guards usually write down the taxi's license plate and name. Scalawag taxi drivers would tend to think twice about falling in line if there's a chance they can be easily identified or collared.
6. At night, if you really need to take a jeep or bus, wait at lighted areas preferably where there are a lot of people or where it's near a police station or barangay outpost.
7. Go around with a few friends, if possible, especially at night. There is a bit more safety in numbers.
8. When walking about at night, stick to the lighted areas where there are people, although try to avoid getting jostled about (great opportunity for a pickpocket).
9. Avoid the sides of the street or road (but not to the point where you would be in danger of being run over). If someone is hiding in the shadows or along an alleyway, they will have to take more steps in order to reach you, giving you more chances to notice them and react.
10. Take note of the news, especially places where street crimes are frequently reported (e.g. Commonwealth Ave. or Quiapo). Try to avoid those places or plan appropriately if you need to be in those areas.
11. As much as possible, avoid sleeping while riding on public transport because you will just make it easier for pickpockets to get your valuables. It's also a safety issue because if the vehicle makes a sudden stop or turn, you could fall off your seat and hurt yourself. It's even more important when riding a jeep and you're at the front or at the very rear because you could even fall off the jeep onto the road!
The single most important attribute needed to pull off the above is situational awareness.
Remember, if you find yourself in a situation where the criminal is already making his move on you, most of the time it's already a checkmate position for you. These criminals typically work in groups, so fighting back is NOT a good idea unless your life is in immediate danger. In the end it's a judgement call on your part.
Stay safe!
