JANUARY 9, 2026 — When a dashcam video of a pedestrian being hit by a motorcycle along Commonwealth Avenue went viral this week, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) quickly stepped in to investigate. Authorities suspect this may be part of the notorious “bangga-me” modus — a scheme where individuals deliberately put themselves in harm’s way, staging accidents to extort money from unsuspecting motorists.

The incident happened past 11 a.m. on Monday, when traffic was flowing smoothly. A man suddenly dashed across the highway, got struck by a motorcycle, and caused a chain reaction that toppled another rider behind. Both the pedestrian and the rider sustained minor injuries. 

At the Traffic Sector 5 office, the pedestrian initially asked for financial assistance. 

QCPD spokesperson Police Capt. Febie Madrid explained, “At sinabi ng rider na wala silang pera kaya noong nagkausap-usap, nag-agree sila na sila ay mag-settle, amicably settle at magkaroon ng kasunduan.” 

(The rider said they had no money, so after talking, they agreed to settle amicably and reach an agreement.)

But even with that settlement, police are not letting go. 

“Ito po ang tinitingnan ngayon kung ito ba ay modus o hindi, at kung mayroon man ay talagang iimbestigahan nila,” Madrid said. 

(This is what they are looking into now, whether this is a modus or not, and if it is, they will truly investigate.)

Desperation or deception?

Has life become so hard that people are willing to risk their lives for a few extra pesos? Or are we simply seeing more bandits too lazy to earn a decent living? 

Either way, the public is left vulnerable. Imagine being a motorist who suddenly finds yourself accused of hitting someone who intentionally threw himself in front of your vehicle!

What makes this even more frustrating is that footbridges and underpasses are right there, yet some pedestrians still choose to cross at ground level. 

As Madrid reminded, “Ang Commonwealth Avenue ay napakalawak na kalsada at ipinagbabawal po ang tumawid dito dahil ito po ay nakamamatay.” 

(Commonwealth Avenue is a very wide road, and crossing here is prohibited because it is deadly.)

QCPD is urging motorists who may have experienced similar encounters to come forward, hinting that this could be the work of repeat offenders. If true, then we’re looking at a dangerous trend — one that puts both drivers and pedestrians at risk, while eroding trust on our roads.

So, what do we make of this? Is it desperation, opportunism, or plain recklessness? Whatever the answer, one thing is clear: Filipinos deserve safer roads, not staged accidents that prey on our humanity.

(Image: YouTube)