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Monday, November 2, 2015

A Real Life Halloween Scare

31 October 2015.

My son Aton, left home to fetch his girlfriend Marga from their school dorm. They had a few days off from school because of the holidays, so Marga decided to spend it at her parents' house in Marikina City. Marga had her cellphone, laptop, books and other personal stuff in her bag. Aton had his laundry, cellphone and external hard drive in his.

They were trying to get a cab from Cubao to Marikina but the line was so long and it was getting late. So they decided to take public transporation. They hailed a jeepney going to Marikina instead.

In the vicinity of the TIP campus in Aurora Blvd, traffic turned really bad. Marga took this opportunity to send a text message to her father to let him know where she is. 

If you are a Filipino and live in Metro Manila, you would probably guess what happened. Here is Marga's Facebook post narrating the incident:

Today I kind of realized that Aton Layno is my life hero.
Yes he has saved me from a lot of things, but it was on this day, on this specific event that he actually risked his life for something important to me. So, we rode a jeepney in Cubao going to my home because: (1) there were no UV Express van in sight (2) the taxi line was kinda long and we already wanted to go home because it was already late. We approached a stop light around Anonas area, just past T.I.P. Traffic was bad in the area and the jeepney was barely moving. It was at this time that I took the opportunity to take my phone out of my bag and text my Dad to let him know where I was....
My phone was out of my bag, in my hands for a good 2 minutes BEFORE SOME KID OUTSIDE THE JEEP SNATCHED IT AWAY FROM MY HANDS. LIKE WTF! I couldn't do anything because I was so shocked at what just happened. Aton, on the other hand, didn't think for a second, and leaped out of the jeepney and ran after the kid!!!!! He would always tell me he'd do such things but I never actually realized he could actually do it. I was so scared for Aton because I know kids like those usually have buddies with them, I feared Aton would be hurt or soemthing, so I ran after him too . I did not even remember me losing my shoes, because there I was, running, BAREFOOT, ON THE STREETS. I was shouting at the top of my lungs, calling our for Aton not to chase the snatcher anymore. In my confusion, I left our bags (with my laptop in it) in the jeepney. I don't know why I actually did that, but all I could think about was if Aton was going to be okay. I stopped running when I could no longer find them and found my way back to the jeepney. Thank God the traffic was so bad that the jeep hardly moved, and that the lady inside the jeepney kept our bags safe. In the jeepney, all I could do was cry and think of was Aton, where he is, what's happening. I wasn't thinking about my phone or my laptop or whatever, I was just thinking about Aton. After a minute later (which felt like an eternity), he came back.... WITH MY PHONE IN HIS HANDS. 
This isn't the first time he retrieved a lost phone of mine, and I am so grateful for his actions. I have learned my lesson, I promise. Thank you so much, and I'm sorry you got so dirty from chasing the snatcher. And I'm sorry you lost your brother's cap because of this.  I'm super going to pay for it, I promise. 
THANK YOU LORD ATON IS SAFE, That's the most important thing.
When my son came home and told us about what happened, I had mixed feelings. I was proud of him because he was courageous and was ready to defend his lady-love from evil doers, but I was also angry because he should not have put his life on the line for a phone.

My hubby said the same thing. "I am proud of you. Your mother and I made sure we did not raise pussies. But when you get to situations like this, don't piss me off by running after a robber who snatched a dang phone. It is a phone! It can be replaced. You life won't. Remember that."

Aton and Marga
Why do I write about this?

Because I want to share it so you may be more aware of the evil lurking around us. It is always better to be street smart. There are so many different modi operadi that these people use to take advantage of the old, the helpless and the naive. 

This is also to make us aware of the "fight or flight" reaction that we feel when we come face to face with adversity. There is no more "think before you act," because once we start pumping adrenalin, all we do is act on impulse. 

Moral of the post: Stay safe and be smart.

Oh, BTW, Marga almost lost her Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+.

17 comments:

  1. I can't imagine how frightening that whole situation must have been. I can certainly understand the mixed feelings, although I know you are really proud of your son's willingness to do anything for his girlfriend.

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  2. So glad your son wasn't injured! I'm constantly telling my 20 something-year-old kids to be aware of their surroundings. Good thing the bag left behind was kept safe, too.

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  3. I cannot believe that happened! What a brave son you have! I am SO glad that he is safe, and yes! Next time tell him to let the phone go! :)

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  4. It is very smart to be street smart! I've heard on the news of people getting shot or killed because someone took their iPad or sneakers. Material things can be replaced. I'm glad your son is safe and things turned out okay <3

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  5. Wow that is a harrowing tale. I am glad that you are safe and that Marga did not lose her Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+.

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  6. Wow he is very courageous! I think if I was a mother I would have mixed feelings as well. Alls well that ends well I guess!

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  7. wow. the things men will do for their women... it's obvious hell always protect her.

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  8. Well I'm glad Aton was not injured or beat up in anyway. I'm glad Marga got her phone back. I agree with you, it is just a phone and can be replaced, but I'd feel a little bit proud of my son too for standing up for his lady. ;)

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  9. Oh wow, how scary. You did raise a brave boy. But yes, better to be smart and safe in that situation.

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  10. What a scary encounter for them!! Glad to hear everyone is okay, sounds like she has an amazing boyfriend.

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  11. I was talking about something like this with my family just the other day. In current times, it's hard to decide what is worth the risk of your life. Because anymore, if you chase someone down, your life can be at risk.

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  12. Aton was so brave to run after the snatcher. It was a risky move though as sometimes, it's run by syndicates.

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  13. Oh my goodness! How scary - I totally agree I would just freeze in shock if this happened to me! Glad to hear it all worked out :)

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  14. Losing a Galaxy would be a bummer. But it's totally replaceable just like you said. And I feel the same, hurrah for him being couragous, but oh my gosh it could have ended so bad. I am very happy they are both safe.

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  15. I love your thought about how a phone can be replaced but a life cannot. This is such a great message for your son to hear!

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  16. oh my your son is brave and awesome. i love this post. thank you for sharing. wow.

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  17. Yes, there is evil everywhere! You must be very diligent!

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