Are they purple, or blue?

They’re making a fuss about the “discovery” of a new species of crab said to be colored a bright purple. Reports said they were discovered by a man from a Zoology museum in Germany. Purple? Couldn’t this be the same kind of crab they call “blue crab” in northern Negros? Perhaps somebody should invite Hendrik Freitag to come and take a look at our blue crab. Could be a case of color identification, you know.

***

If there are some people who doubt the disclosure of the local police about the presence in Bacolod of the so-called robbery syndicate from Mindanao, a local bank, that, however, refuses to be identified, had a real close call last week. A very reliable source told me that her banker told her about their experience of a near-heist that was, fortunately foiled by alert personnel who promptly contacted the police and prevented what could have been a major crime incident.

***

As narrated by my source, a security guard of this bank noted that two women and two men had entered the bank premises, posing as prospective clients. But the guard also noted that their two companions who stayed outside the bank, were speaking in Tagalog, and this made him suspicious. So he immediately informed his boss, who quietly contacted the police, who, to their credit, came immediately. But the group was apparently very alert, too. Sensing something going on, they all disappeared like smoke.

***

From their descriptions, the police seemed positive that the group belonged to the hunted ones, which is why they seem very sure when they claim that the gang still has members here, and that is why they are trying hard to trace them. But perhaps, they have their contacts here who provide them refuge when they flee from a crime scene? Meanwhile, it is very important for banks, malls and other establishments to activate their CCTV cameras, and brief their security guards on what action to take. That way, they will protect their company’s money, and maybe even save their own lives.

***

But it is not only security guards and business establishments that should learn survival strategies to use when confronted by criminals. In Marikina recently, a woman was held up and stabbed by the driver of a taxi she took from her house at about 7:30 p.m. The woman, who works for a drug company later told the police that she got alarmed when the driver took another route, saying he was avoiding traffic. Her instincts telegraphing a warning, she quietly noted down the number of the cab and its name.

***

Her fears where founded, because the driver did rob her of her things, stabbed her in the stomach and abandoned her by the road. Fortunately some people helped her and took her to the hospital where she gave the taxi’s name and number to the police. Reports said the cops were able to trace the driver and arrest him. They also found her money, documents and other items with him. I hope the victim does not back down and listen to his or his family’s pleas, and sees to it that he suffers for his crime.

***

That is why I would like to remind once more (have done this many times before) parents here whose children are studying in Manila. Warn your kids about these incidents and instruct them clearly on what to do so they will not panic or be confused when threatened by such happenings. When I was on the board of the Philippine Press Institute and had to travel to Manila once, sometimes twice, every month, my greatest fear was having to take taxis to and from the airport, when none of my relatives were around to see me off or fetch me.

***

So I developed my own “security” measure, which was not only to note down the name, make and number of the taxi, but also to make an imaginary call on my cell phone to a cousin supposedly waiting for me, and telling him that I was already on EDSA, nearing his place, and that he should look out for a white (or blue) taxi with plate number this and that, speaking loudly so the driver could hear. I don’t know if it had worked, or I was just paranoid, but thank God, I always arrived safely.*

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