I Hope You Rot…Literally.

Warning: This is an angry post.

A 5-minute walk from San Beda to San Sebastian Church was all it took for someone to take my phone, not to mention I am walking with two of my male classmates; again not to mention that my phone was inside my pouch, which was inside my backpack.

My friends and I were utterly clueless as to how it happened. We did not notice anyone who came close near us. It was hard to believe. I always try to be conscious of my surroundings (read: snatchers and thieves).

My friend called my number. A woman answered. My friend told her to bring back the phone. “Was it the 3310?” she said. My phone was Samsung. I suppose there was more than one phone stolen that hour. My friend said, “the one you are using now.” She turned off the phone.

This time, I called my number. A man answered. I asked him in a calm voice to return my phone. He said he cannot return it as he was already on his way to the pier to go home to the province. He said he got the phone in Mendiola. When asked where…

bastard thief: Ano ka ba, ang liit liit lang ng Mendiola. Deh dun lang sa Mendiola. (What are you, Mendiola’s so small. Just there  in Mendiola.)

At this point, I was already irritated, but still trying to calm myself, still hoping he might really return it. I tried appealing to his pity.

mordsith:  Kuya, isoli mo na yung phone ko. Estudyante lang naman ako. (Please return my phone. I’m just a student.)

bastard thief:  Papunta na nga ako sa pier. Dalawang araw lang ako dun. Babalik ko din ‘tong phone mo. (I said I am already on my way to the pier. I’d stay there for 2 days only. I will return your phone.)

mordsith:  Sige, kuya, ano bang number mo? (Okay, what’s your number?)

bastard thief: Wala nga akong number, kaya ko nga kinuha tong phone mo. (I do not have a number, that’s why I took your phone.)

In the background, I was hearing a woman saying that my phone has so many load (it was a postpaid, actually). He ended the call, but still did not turn it off. That bastard.

I immediately called the Sun hotline. I was able to talk to a CSR more than hour had past already. I told the CSR that my phone was stolen and that the criminal must have used it since that time, as I CANNOT reach them to have it cut! All he said was, “sorry, there was a network problem.” What?!? Just that?!

As for the thief, I hope he suffers. I hope he rots literally or loses the use of his limbs. He deserves punishment commensurate to his perversity (not to the value of my phone). He could have disposed of my sim card once he took my phone. But he still wanted to hear me “beg” for my phone and to tell all his lies. Imagine, he even had to tell me that he took it because he has no phone! I bet my other phone he would do much bigger crimes if only he had the chance.

Someone told me, maybe to help me accept, that he might have done it only because he lacks opportunities. Barely restraining my irritation, I told him: There are so many people who lack opportunities. But they make opportunities for themselves. Look at the vendors on the street. Look at the children who clean windshields of cars on traffic. They start with something honest. (I could enumerate more, if he still did not get my point.) This kind of reasoning only propagates crimes and criminals. Specifically, his perversion can never be justified by poverty.

I was so sad, not even a good grade can make me cheer up (not even a Capresso-made coffee or an 8-hour sleep). I took good care of that phone, never placing it on a rough surface. Keng’s pictures were there. My professor’s message was there—that message I read when I need to uplift my spirit. That bastard took it.