Chef Ed Dychauco, RN
It’ll never happen to me… I told myself. I am careful. I try to be very careful. And vigilant. But sad to say it happened. And not only once, not twice but a few more times in the last few years.
I practically spent more than 30 years of my life here in Cagayan de Oro City (better known as the City of Golden Friendship!) and way back in the 70’s, it was totally different. I can still vividly remember houses with doors wide open, large windows (minus the grills), gates ajar and yet, it was so safe. Nobody bothers anybody. Almost everyone knew everyone and was a friend in one way or the other. It was such a peaceful existence then.
In stores and shops, movie theatres and any public places anyone can enter the premises without being searched, being scrutinized. Without being humiliated. There was respect. There was dignity. It was safe.
Why am I writing this piece, instead of my usual food finds, activities and the like? Beause I am angry. I am extremely furious. I am very disappointed. I feel devastated and exploited, abused, violated and manipulated against my will. And I am sure a lot of people will agree with me or at least, can relate well with what I am going through at this time.
I lost several cellphones already to thieves. Once, I left it in the taxi cab. After which I tried to call my phone. It rang but after the 2nd call, it went dead… lesson learned? Make sure you check everything before you get out of the cab. Although it was a cheap cellphone (I don’t even want to buy another one after I lost my 2nd China-made cp!) I think it is what is IN the cp that is important…the contacts, the numbers. Another lesson learned? Make a hard or soft copy of the numbers and contacts. Keep them in a safe place.
The other time I lost my cp was when 2 guys (one about 8-10 years old, the other about 17-18 year old) came to the shop pretending to buy some foodstuff. Since they were talking in a different dialect that I don’t understand, I really didn’t mind them. They were somewhat arguing… maybe to distract our attention (a modus operandi perhaps?). And when they left the shop, my cp went out with them. And when I called, they just gave a swishing and giggling sound! The nerve! Lesson learned? Keep “valuable” items away from prying eyes!
Then last Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at exactly 8pm, my HP laptop was stolen from my shop. It was my very first laptop which I paid in 6 months installment plan with my hard-earned money. I thought having a laptop will help me in my business, in my keeping abreast with what’s going on in the society. And it did, until that fateful night. I never thought of buying a laptop for flaunting purposes. I bought it because I have to. I need to. That’s where I get to write my articles for my regular contributions to our local newspapers here in CDOC like SunStar CdO, Mindanao Goldstar Daily, News Express, and The Daily Corridor.
But after losing them to 2 guys (not again!), one about 15 and the other about 18-20 year old, I had the incident blottered at the OKK in Divisoria. I called up also to inform the police about the incident. A patrol car with about 4 uniformed policemen came to the shop in less than 5 minutes (that was fast!) and they said they’ll drive around to check. That was the last I heard of them. No updates whatsoever since.
As to the OKK report, I went to ask them 3 times already. They said they’ll call us for any updates. But it has been 6 days now and I haven’t heard from them since. And because of the blotter report, the robbery was televised over TV Patrol the following night, Thursday and simultaneously over MOR radio station. Friends of mine as far as Bohol heard the news. People from around the city heard the news, too. I got calls, text messages and emails from concerned friends & acquaintances regarding the robbery. It was really awful. It was devastating. What can I say? I can just offer this to God. But I still firmly believe there was just no acceptable purpose for HIM to have the laptop stolen!
I informed my Kumpare who is also in the Police force for help. Another frantic call also to an NBI friend. And I am still in a limbo. Waiting & hoping for my laptop to be returned in one piece!
Upon my own investigation, I found out that these 2 guys have been hanging around the vicinity of the shop for sometime and has been peeping inside. And as soon as they find the right timing, that piece of item was gone… faster as lighting as they say. Lesson learned? Be weary of “strangers”, even if they are properly dressed (anyway, these 2 guys were wearing shorts and shirts). Lesson learned? Don’t leave the premises unattended. And maybe, install CCTV cameras!
Incidentally, my next door neighbor (ink refilling shop) was robbed of a bag pack containing a laptop & some cash less than a month ago in front of many customers by 2 well dressed guys! Another holdup/robbery incident happened to my other neighbor (computer shop) a week after. Prior to these incidents, my other neighbor (jewelry shop) was robbed, too. Looks like the area where we are located is not getting any safer! Actually, long before I transferred to this new location a few years ago, many robberies, hold up, snatching occurrences has been heard of already. And I guess it is not only within our vicinity, but other places, too. Shouldn’t the police or the government do something about this? Can we just let this untoward incidents happen?
Questions. Why would people steal? Is it due to poverty? Is it due to greed? Is it due to loss of respect to people & property? Is it due to psychological incapacity? Do they still believe in God?
And what happen afterwards? I am very sure they don’t keep the item(s) they robbed. They would either a.) sell it cheap (that is why one should be careful when buying cheap goods. It might be stolen and the buyer can be in big trouble!), b.) trade it with something, or c.) pawn them (as in going to a pawnshop for cash). Whatever it is, I wonder if this ever happen to them, how would they feel? Won’t they feel the same way?
And then what? Would that make them happier? Better off? Richer? I am urging our government, the police force, and to all concern citizens of the city (so-called City of Golden Friendship) to help make our place a place where we can have peace, trust, love & happiness just like the way it used to be.
As of this writing, I still have not gotten my item back. Nor do I have any idea what the authorities has done.
Email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com
published on sunstar cdo october 14, 2010
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