NU6 by IOV, LPC Regis

NU4 of NU6

BUDUL-BUDOL'S NEW MODE OF OPERATION

BEWARE!

Robbers used to be easily recognized, based on the way they dress, look, and act.
But what if today's robbers and pickpockets are disguised as an innocent child or a young girl begging for help? What if they're just ordinary people who are just talented in speaking and acting?
These people are known as the "Budul-budol" gang. You may have crossed paths with them unconsciously. They sometimes work in groups. And these groups of people victimize without any exception as long as they will get something out of their victims (http://www.mb.com.ph/node/306834/beware-budulbudul).
We live in Tanauan City, Batangas- a normal city where extraordinary version of budul-budol gang emerged.
How do they do it? This is based on my cousin's experience last Friday, December 9, 2011 around 4:00PM-5:00PM. It happened in our internet cafe.
Characters:

            Jane- member of budul-budol gang

            Ana- my cousin

Step 1: A girl named Jane, between 18-25 years old, went to our internet cafe for several days and rented a computer for one hour in her every visit. This was the reason why my cousin, Ana, thought she was familiar.
Step 2: After some time, Jane befriended my cousin. Ana was just being professional that is why she didn't think that there was something wrong.
Step 3: Jane asked Ana to be her 5-month-old son's godparent. In our place, it is in our culture that saying NO is not an option if we were asked to be someone's godparent.
Step 4: She mentioned several names (she claimed to be our common friends). Because of this, Jane got Ana's trust.
Step 5: Every detail was clear- the schedule of the christening, the Church, and where the reception will take place. Jane deserves a best-actress award.
Step 6: Jane opened up how terrible their life is to the point that she still lacks Php250 for the Church' fee for Christening. My cousin felt sorry for her, gave her Php300, and asked for her mobile number (which Jane dictated comfortably).
Step 7: The girl stayed for several more minutes telling stories about her son and then left telling that she'll be back before the schedule of the Christening.
When the girl left, my cousin tried to contact her thru the mobile number she gave. Unfortunately, the number was incorrect. We decided to call the Church where she said the Christening will take place but there was no scheduled activity for the day she mentioned.
We therefore concluded that the girl is a member of the newly-formed-version of budul-budol gang.
We went to our barangay office and found out that in 2 days, there were ten incidents of budul-budol in our place with the same stories but in different names. 3.5

Realization:
We must always think critically and not listen solely to our heart in such cases that someone we do not really know begs for help.