CEBU, Philippines — Authorities advised tourists to be extra cautious in airports and other boarding facilities to avoid becoming victims of "salisi" gangs and extortionists.
Senior Superintendent Elizalde Quiboyen, chief of Aviation Security Unit in Central Visayas (AVES-7), said that passengers in Cebu have increased with more flights available.
He said the passengers must be extra cautious as members of the "salisi" gang might also pretend to be passengers.
"Cautious lang sila sa mga gamit. Naa man gyud magkuyog-kuyog lang as if turista lang pero manguot na diay. Di nimo mapugngan kay pasahero man pud pero wa ta kahibaw nag disguise lang," he said.
Last March, a passenger lost P500,000 in cash and valuables to four suspected members of a "salisi" gang within the premises of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on Friday.
Christina Lau, a businesswoman from Manila, was waiting for her baggage at the carousel area for arriving domestic passengers when her Louis Vuitton bag suddenly went missing.
The CCTV footage revealed that at least four women connived in the stealing.
Members of a salisi gang normally attack as a group in hotels, restaurants, terminals, or any other public places. They usually try to take their victim's attention and then steal their belongings.
In Manila, two airport enforcers were arrested for extorting from taxi drivers.
Quiboyen said that this year, he has not encountered an extortion case in Cebu.
But he gave a stern warning to his men that appropriate charges will be filed against them if they engaged in illegal activities like extortion.
"In our part strikto kaayo mi. Kasuhan dayon namo. So far, wala may pulis pud nga nag extort," he said.
He added that passengers are encouraged to contact the nearest authorities or dial (032) 266 9378, for any suspicious looking personalities and emergencies.
He said uniformed police and covert personnel are deployed in the airport to ensure safety of the passengers. (FREEMAN)