‘Sadya Bundol’ and more: modus operandi motorists should watch out for

Having to deal with the standstill traffic and keeping your cool while driving is one thing, but Captain Joebert Tolentino of Disaster and Emergency Responders International says that motorists should also be on guard against several new modus operandi that could lead to mugging, theft, and carnapping. 

In an interview with Unang Hirit on Thursday, Tolentino explained the new MOs and shared a few tips on how to stay safe.

1. "Basag Itlog"

This involves someone throwing an egg at your windshield, which cracks it open. The first instinct is to use the wiper to clean it, but Tolentino said that this will only make the mess worse and leave you with a blurry windshield.

Tolentino's advice is to keep driving instead of stopping and getting out of your car, leaving your valuables unattended.

2. "Ipit Bote"

The name for the MO is pretty clear: someone leaves a plastic bottle under a tire or behind it. Once you move forward, the bottle makes a cracking sound and the tendency for all drivers is to go down and check the noise. 

Tolentino reminded drivers that when you get off from the driver's side, all the doors unlock. Someone could grab your valuables or even slip in. 

3. "Sadya Bundol"

There are dashcam videos showing this MO. A person either throws himself against the hood of the car or walks very near the side of the car and then pretends to fall down. Tolentino explained that this MO is usually used by people who want some money or, if it's at night, to mug the motorists.

More: Palpak na tila modus ng lalaking nagkunwaring nabundol ng sasakyan.

4. "Laglag Susi"

In this scenario, someone will tap on the window and tell the driver that she or he dropped something. The goal, as with Ipit Bote and Basag Itlog, is to get the driver to leave the car and his valuables unattended. 

5. "Laglag Plaka"

Perhaps the most dangerous of all, Laglag Plaka involves another car driving along with you and showing you your license plate. This will prompt you to pull over and once you get out of the car to talk to the people who flagged you, they may kidnap, carnap, or mug you. 

"Maging alerto, maging alisto, at kung hindi naman gan'ong kahalaga 'yong pinapakita sa atin, huwag na nating intindihin," Tolentino advised motorists.

Keep your wits about you and secure your car if you really have to get down to check something. Stay safe, everyone! — Aya Tantiangco, GMA News