Despite roving security, female passenger at Araneta Bus Station robbed

MANILA, Philippines—Despite having security personnel in the Araneta Bus Station in Cubao, Quezon City, a female chance passenger was robbed of her money while she was asleep Tuesday night.

In a Radyo Inquirer interview, Marilyn Gamuyao said she fell asleep while waiting for available tickets for her trip home to Iloilo. When she woke up Wednesday morning, she found her bag open and her wallet empty.

Gamuyao added she came from Pampanga and the money she lost was the only money she had. She also asked for help for her to be able to buy a ticket to Iloilo which costs P1,000.

“Kahit pamasahe lang, kahit walang kain-kain (Fare would be enough, even without food),” Gamuyao told Radyo Inquirer.

Meanwhile, a security guard identified as Mr. Rodriguez said he is not aware if there are any CCTV cameras installed in the terminal adding that he is only new to the job. Nevertheless, he said that they have 24-hour roving security in the terminal. However, Rodriguez admitted that they are having difficulty monitoring security due to the sheer number of passengers.

“Sa dami nila hindi rin magawa na isa-isa silang mabantayan (They are too many, we can’t guard them individually),” Rodriguez said.

Meanwhile, the Araneta Bus Terminal will be open 24-hours a day throughout the rest of the Holy Week.