Couple JJ Benitez and Elvin Roxas almost lost their cellphone after a rider snatched it while they were taking a selfie outside a restaurant in Makati on October 12.
CCTV footage shows the rider passing by, making a U-turn, and suddenly approaching at the exact moment Benitez reached out his phone to take a picture. He immediately grabbed it and sped away on his motorcycle. The couple even tried to chase the rider.
In the interview, Benitez said they didn't immediately suspect the incident because he was wearing a helmet with the logo of a popular motorcycle app. "It happened so quickly," he added. Another CCTV footage shows them wrestling with the rider while holding the phone.
Several bystanders also helped. As more and more people gathered around, the rider suddenly took out his cellphone from his pocket and threw it back in front of the couple before fleeing. Fortunately, the cellphone was recovered so they did not have to file a blotter.
Many netizens commented online to remind people. “Don’t be complacent on the road, especially when using a cellphone,” said one concerned Pinoy. Others also reminded that it is safer to hold your phone close to your body and to always be alert.
