Motorists warned vs ‘bundol’ gang along C-5 road

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 18:44:00 11/09/2010

MANILA, Philippines—Motorists are told to take extra precaution when traveling along C-5 road as a notorious robbery syndicate is believed to be preying on motorists traversing along this highway, particularly those coming in from the airport.

“We are giving special attention to C-5 (road),” National Capital Region police office director Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said in an interview.

The warning came after Metro Manila police discovered that there were “high” incidents recorded in the beltway stretching from Quezon City to Taguig city involving the notorious robbery group.

The “bundol” (bump) gang usually targets foreigners or overseas Filipino workers. Their modus operandi involves bumping at unsuspecting vehicles. Once the driver of that vehicle alights, the suspects will then forcibly take the vehicle as well as the victim’s other personal belongings.

Bartolome said the latest victim of the “bundol” gang was the San Diego family. Last Friday, the San Diego family on board a Mitsubishi Montero had just fetched their daughter from the airport when they were attacked by the “bundol” gang along C-5 road.

Early this morning, police arrested two members of the robbery group and recovered the vehicle of the San Diegos.

Asked why the group was specifically operating along C-5 road, Bartolome pointed to the highway’s proximity to the airport and motorists coming from the airport usually pass along this highway.

“It is also possible that someone from the airport is tipping off this group as to their possible victims,” Bartolome added.

Bartolome vowed that there will be increased police vigilance in this highway through more police checkpoints and the deployment of MASCO policemen, or the motorcycle anti-street crime operatives.

Police also gave the following tips to motorists to avoid falling prey to the “bundol” gang:

• Be conscious of your movement and take note if someone is following you;
• If you are bumped along a major highway in a suspicious manner, do not stop. Instead, find the nearest police station or gas station. Do not stop in areas where there is poor lighting.

Police Highway Patrol Group director Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina added, “It is highly illogical for someone to hit you on a speeding highway when you are traveling at a speed of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour.”

“If you get hit while you are moving at that speed, then it’s probably intentional. Do not stop or confront the suspect. Go to the nearest police station,” he added.