Terrorized...from Rolling Rolls (True Story)

Yesterday, I got off in Katipunan LRT2 station after having gone through my required medical examination for Sykes in Medicard, Makati. I decided to walk to McDonalds to have dinner there. Actually, I thought of riding a tricycle, but I decided against it since these days, every single cent counts. Have I known… damn…

So anyway, it was around after six. I was somewhere after the gotohan, near the foot of the flyover, where the infamous vulcanizing station is, when a man approached me. Honestly, I don’t know what I was daydreaming about then, but panic busted me out of my reverie, realizing the odds that the situation I was in spells hold-up. I didn’t really understand what the man was saying. I was expecting a knife pointing at me, but the man just continued talking. What I could remember was him asking me a minute for some questions. I didn’t actually said yes, but he proceeded anyway. He asked me where I came from and where I was going. I told him I just came from a medical check-up, as proven my taped arm, and that I was going to McDo for dinner. He then went on with this story of his “pamangkin” was “binastos” in McDo and was currently in a state of shock, unable to speak. Not that he accuses me, he says, but the guy who allegedly made “bastos” to his “pamangkin” was somewhat a hip-hop, has pierced ears, and was wearing a blue shirt. Fine, I was wearing my blue asshole shirt, but I most definitely am not a hip-hop, though I was wearing rather loose pants. Plus, my ears have no goddamned piercing. But of course, I wasn’t that tough. I knew I was in the middle of trouble and I was so shocked. Fear was obviously written all over my face. This man then verbally attacked me that made me feel guilty and terrified at the same time. “Bakit naman ganyan kayo [maka-react]. Tao naman akong lumapit sa ‘yo. Nanghihingi lang ako ng tulong, kami ang naagrabyado dito.” Naninindak!

I actually said sorry. My lame excuse was “hindi ako sanay sa ganito”. There was this other man who came along when these things were happening. The first guy who approached me introduced himself as a Konsehal, and this other guy was Sarhento Villamor, who was helping them look for the kids allegedly responsible for beating up Larry, who were with her “pamangkin” Shirly. In the end, I’m not sure who his “pamangkin” actually was. There were inconstancies along the way, but I was too busy worrying how this day would end, or whether I’d actually survive all these alive. So anyway, this Konsehal explained that this guy who messed with Larry and Shirly was not alone. There were other guys, also pierced, and have high-lights. Along came this guy from the opposite side (coming from McDo area, the Konsehal approached me from the back). Bingo. White shirt, late teen-ish, and high-lighter hair. Konsehal then approached this guy, pretty much the same way as he approached me. While this Konsehal was talking to this other kid, Sarhento Villamor asked for an apology for the way I was approached. He made me understand that these people are distressed because they were “naagrabyado”. He appeared to be somewhat the pacifier through all these shit. They just want to ask some questions because I, and this other guy, might be able to help them. I said ok, I’d be willing to help, but I asked if we can at least talk in McDo, or in the gotohan. I wanted to scream I don’t fucking trust you guys. He said we’ll ask Konsehal about this.

While Konsehal was talking to this other guy, along came another kid, roughly around my age, asking Sarhento “Ito ba ang bumugbog sa kapatid ko?” He was informed, no, we weren’t, and that they were just questioning us and we might be able to help. The Sarhento, in his fatherly voice then, advised this kid (we were introduced late on, but I didn’t get his ‘name’ so let’s call him Boy Gago) that what he allegedly did a while ago was unhelpful. Boy Gago supposedly beat up a guy whom he assumed to be the one responsible for Larry and Shirly’s condition. Konsehal then joined us with this other kid. He asked for our names. The kid with the high-lights said he was RC, while I stupidly told him I’m Rolls. They also asked us where we live, and again, I stupidly said I’m from Marikina. From Barangka. They asked if that’s what the street was called. I said no, it’s a general area near Riverbanks. I should have lied. But at the time, I thought against it. Maybe these guys are actually policemen and lying might further incriminate me.

Konsehal apologized for the way we were approached and told us that they just want our cooperation. They want us to help identify these people because as they say, these guys in their haste to leave have left an unfilled form for a fraternity with his picture on it. They want us to identify this person, and if we don’t know him, then we can leave. Also in effect, they want Shirly and Larry to identify whether we are part of the group who messed with them.

My mind was reeling. What’s happening to me? Am I being framed up? But I couldn’t do anything out of shock so I went with them, supposedly, to the clinic.

My landlord, Kuya Mike, owns a billiard place somewhere in Abad, somewhere at the back of Mini-stop, and I knew that indeed, there was a clinic somewhere near there. This place is actually accessible through Xavierville, which were only a few feet away from where we were. I wanted to run to Kuya Mike’s place, but I was held up by the thought that, what if this guys are actually policemen and started shooting?

So I went with them, without a struggle, since I wasn’t actually alone with the three of them anyway. There was RC, whom I asked how he got into this, and told me that he was just asked like I have been. But Konsehal didn’t come with us. He said he’s be asking some more people.

We were heading to Mini-stop then, and of course, there was a police station under the Fly-over and I assumed we were going there. But we kept on walking, so I assumed that we were going to the clinic. Through all these, Sarhento Villamor was somewhat being amiable, asking me where I came from. To hide my discomfort, I told him the truth. That I came from Makati for a medical examination, and that I also went to NBI but I arrived past their closing time. So he gathered I’m applying for a job, so he asked me where I applied for. For the third time, I stupidly told them I’m applying for a call center in Makati. Luckily, I wasn’t able to say which company. RC also asked me whether these call center requires the applicant’s fluency in English.

In that curve of Esteban Abada where a public urinal stood, we were met by Konsehal. All this time I was watching my back because that area was kinda dark. Konsehal told us, or somehow, to that effect, that Shirly and Larry are no longer in the clinic but in the Baranggay [Hall], and that we should head there instead. We passed by Kuya Mike’s billiard place, and stupidly, I decided not to run towards there because, again, who knows these guys are actually policemen and start shooting. I didn’t wanna involve other people into this mess. As we were walking, Konsehal decided that what we should do was take a look at the picture, and they’d give us a number in case we decide later on that we know these people. As we arrived in Zagu, in the corner of Xavierville and Abada, we turned right and sat in that makeshift bench near 101 Xavierville Building. Sarhento proceeded and Konsehal told us that the guy is going to the Baranggay and get the picture.

I was beyond nervousness then. I was in excess of morbid thoughts. I thought of how just a few months after graduation, I might be dead. How will my mom take it? What will happen to my siblings?

While we were waiting, Konsehal told us that we should treat Sarhento with respect because he’s a policeman. Before us, they’ve supposedly interrogated other kids and Sarhento almost hit them with the back of his gun because they were impudent. Further intimidations, right? And I’ve been more than cooperative from the start.

I was really thinking that if the whole thing was a plot to steal me of my belongings, they should at least just get on with it and save me from all these horror. That would have been more humane.

But they have been more than convincing and consistent with their story.

Sarhento arrived but I didn’t really realize that if he supposedly came from the Baranggay in Park 9, the time of his absence was ridiculously too short. But these details didn’t really come to my attention then. I was too pre-occupied with the fear of dying, or whatever acts of conspiracy these guys were thinking. Sarhento said that there’s been a witness, and that, as we will be identifying the pictures, we would also be identified by the witness. Of course, these witness was under protection, that’s why we’re going to the Baranggay.

Konsehal took RC first to go with him to the Baranggay. While we were waiting, Sarhento and Boy Gago were chatting with me. Sarhento offered to buy me Zagu for free. I said no, I’m fine. But now that I thought about it, I should have said yes, and dashed for Kuya Mike’s place which was within a run-able distance. Or I should have asked for a Coke instead. Hopefully, we’d buy it in Kuya Mike’s place.

But Konsehal and RC arrived shortly. Konsehal was steaming mad. Or so he appears to be. “Makulit pala ‘tong gagong ‘to eh!” Apparently, he was asking RC whether he have modes of communication and other stuff. “Oo. At alam ko ang serial number niyan”. This appears to be what made him mad.He informed us that apart from the other details, those who beat up Larry also had a cellphone, and also took with them a stash of money, around thousands, supposedly for tuition fee. So he asked us if we have ATM Cards, because the money could have been deposited there. RC said yes, and I showed him mine but I told him it’s no longer of use. “Wala akong pakialam diyan!” he said. He just wanna know. He asked us how much money we were carrying. I said I only got four hundred. RC on the other hand, said. “Sa totoo lang, me four thousand ako dito tsaka ilang lapad, padala ng nanay ko. Again, Konsehal said, “wala akong pakilam diyan.” He also asked us if we have cellphones. Of course, he has seen RC’s, so I showed mine. He also asked us if we were carrying knives or any pointed weapons, pillbox or illegal drugs (Drugs? Me?! No way!). We both said no. And so he searched our wallets. Or was it actually just mine? I don’t remember him searching RC’s wallet as much as he did on mine. But of course, I only have these realizations now. What he obviously saw in my wallet were just a bunch of receipts and some hundred peso bills.

The reason for him asking about this, Konsehal says, is because this is his way of at least making it up and covering for us. He admits he’s taking up our time. One hell of a time, I say! And that, our cellphones, the money we’ve got, and whatever we have hidden, might look suspicious in front of the Baranggay. So he suggested we just leave our stuff and just go to the Baranggay so we could immediately come back.

As a safekeeping measure, he asked me to hold RC’s stuff. I refused. Konsehal came on to me saying “Wala ‘yan. Bakit ka ba ganyan? [Guilty] ka yata eh!” He thrusted it on my lap. I didn’t touch it.

When he and RC left, I gave it to Sarhento. I repeated I didn’t want to touch it. My mind was racing. This could be a frame up. They could accuse me of stealing RC’s stuff. But as I’ve said, the policeman was the rather soft one, so he gave RC’s stuff to Boy Gago. They continued talking to me, I guess, somehow, to appease me. But at that point, I really couldn’t remain calm. I was shaking uncontrollably. I asked them if I could call my Uncle (I had Kuya Mike in mind). I said that I would be more of help to them if I feel secure. Sarhento asked whether this uncle of mine is also a police. Damn! I should have said yes. Sarhento said we’ll ask Konsehal of what I was asking for.

When RC and Konsehal arrived, RC looked more at ease now. He was “confiding” to Konsehal of how he got so scared of this bald guy in the Baranggay, he thought that he would have beaten him up. Konsehal, on the other hand, was saying how “muntik na niyang binunutan si RC n’ung akala niya tatakbuhan sila.” So now, obviously it was my turn. My request wasn’t brought up, and I was, to some degree, placated because RC arrived in one piece.

Same procedures. I took out my cellphone, and I was supposed t o give my wallet, and again, he asked me how much I got. I said “Four hundred lang.” Then, noticing I also had another twenty peso bill, I said “Ay! Four hundred twenty pala.”

Konsehal took the four hundred bills, placed the twenty back in my wallet and handed it back to me. Then, the bills, along with my cellphone, he had RC hold it.

This time, it was Sarhento and Boy Gago’s turn to bring me to the Baranggay. We were walking along Gayuma, towards that RCBC corner. I asked them, “So ‘pag tinanong ako ng Baranggay kung me cellphone ako, sabihin ko wala?” They said, “Basta ‘wag mo na lang sabihin. Basta ‘yung picture na lang.”

Then Sarhento added, “Baka naman ‘pag pinaghintay ka namin ng kaunti, takbuhan mo kami?”

What did he just say? They’d be isolating me somewhere? I shook my head.

Before we arrived in RCBC, there’s a car parked somewhere on the opposite side of the road. They instructed me to wait there for a while, and that, when they signal me to come to them, I should. My mind was in a blur. Ok. But I had a vague idea where this is leading to.

But I really stayed for a long time. I mean, WHAT IF THESE GUYS ARE ACTUALLY POLICEMEN AND START SHOOTING?

But I was there, waiting for a long time. Tricycle drivers were stopping by me asking me whether I need a ride. I nervously declined. A kid of about five came out of another car with his dad. They were ringing the doorbell of the house near where I and the car stood. Typical kid. He asked me whether the car was mine. Amidst my nervousness, I answered the kid with a smile that it wasn’t mine. He then asked me, “Ah driver ka?” It didn’t even crossed my mind to feel indignant. Again, I shook my head, but still smiled at him. “Ah, may hinihintay ka sa loob?” Though it was not entirely correct, I nodded. His dad looked at me suspiciously, then they went inside.

Ten minutes have passed, still no sign of Boy Gago and Sarhento Villa-puta! And I knew I’ve been had! I didn’t grieve over my loss though. Regret came later, but it wasn’t as much as the relief I felt when I realized I’ve only been duped. I felt so thankful to be alive. They were only after my money and my cellphone. To hell with those. I’m still alive! I’m gonna be able to go home. I’m gonna be able to start work next Friday. I’m gonna be able to save up to buy a new phone.

Still trembling, I hailed a tricycle and asked to be dropped at Kuya Mike’s billiard place. Passing by Zagu, I peered, and sure enough, Konsehal and RC were gone. That fucking RC has been an accomplice!

Kuya Mike thought I dropped by to sing in their videoke room. Kumanta nga ako. Kinanta ko ang nangyari sa akin. All the people around were listening, and someone handed me a glass of water. Obviously, I still looked shocked, and I could feel cold perspirations all over me. One tricycle driver deduced that those guys who stole my phone were probably not from the area. Dayo. ‘Cause the usual Modus Operandi was just tutok. But mine was an incredibly intricate story-telling, worthy of FAMAS awards. From best script, best director, best actor, best supporting actor, and audience participation. They’re probably laughing at me now. They even had the gall to use my sim card after that. Tita Irene rang my phone and they even had the gall to answer it. I wanted to scream profanities at them, but strangely enough, I didn’t hate them as much as I imagined I would have. I’m really thankful that I’m still alive. At least, those guys really have avoided hurting me. Heck, they even left me twenty for fare, plus my wallet with all my vital cards and receipts.

If you guys receive any text messages from me though, from this number, 09276442413, then obviously, it’s a hoax. Report to immediate authorities. Err… I didn’t actually do that. I guess, I just didn’t want further headaches. So I guess, fine, just leave them be. Ignore these people. Let’s just pray for their souls. Perhaps, they really needed the money.

Right.

On second thought, I do have a tiny wish that they rot in hell. A prison cell wouldn’t be that bad either.

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people beware of this modus operandi! try to think clear in these kinds of situations! be prepared! visualize what you will do if you were in this type of situation. practicing helps! be safe!