Drivers have reported that the underpass area of the Pasong Tamo Extension is now a favorite night spot for roaming car thieves who are quick to cut off targeted SUVs, alight from their vehicles and approach with guns raised.
In one incident last Tuesday night at 10:30 p.m., the driver of a Lexus SUV was heading toward the Pasong Tamo Extension from EDSA. At the U-turn beneath the Magallanes overpass, the owner reported, a Lancer with plate number GEB 916 began to follow the driver.
The driver sped to get away from the vehicle, but the Lancer cut him off along Pasong Tamo Extension. The driver witnessed three men, aged 35 to 40, in the Lancer.
One of them stepped out and aimed a caliber .45 pistol at the driver, who did not get out of the car, but quickly maneuvered the Lexus around the Lancer, crossing the sidewalk to escape.
The car thieves in the Lancer continued to give chase, but the driver was able to enter the nearby Karrivin Plaza, which was well-lit and had security guards on the premises. The thieves fled at this point.
The owner of the Lexus later called "117" to report the attempted carjacking, but unfortunately, no one answered the phone.
Instead, she was eventually directed to dial 899-9017 — the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Carnapping Hotline number. She reported the license plate number of the Lancer and requested that more police be stationed in this high-risk area.
The Lexus owner noted that Pasong Tamo Extension has a great number of performing arts studios that attract young people — particularly young women — and she warned motorists to be careful in this area at night, since it is apparently being stalked by car thieves.