MANILA, Philippines — January 29, 2026 — A shocking case of negligence has surfaced in Pasay after a condominium operating as an Airbnb was looted when its receptionist allegedly fell asleep, allowing armed suspects to steal spare keys and break into a tenant’s unit.

Krissa Anne Ellson, a tenant at Najar Residences, sought help from Raffy Tulfo in Action (RTIA) to complain about the building owner’s failure to ensure security. Ellson recounted that on October 7, 2025, two men armed with a gun barged into her unit and took her cellphone, car keys, and other valuables. 

CCTV footage later revealed the suspects systematically checking doors before heading to the reception counter, which was unattended. They then grabbed several spare keys, including the one to Ellson’s unit.

According to Ellson, the CCTV did not capture the receptionist, who was reportedly asleep on a sofa during the incident. She also pointed out that the condominium had no security guard on duty, leaving tenants vulnerable.

Senator Raffy Tulfo immediately called Najar Residences owner Noraldin Madid, who defended himself by saying his receptionist was “only human” and may have dozed off. He added that the building was inside a gated village with its own security, which was why he did not hire additional guards. 

Tulfo rejected this reasoning, stressing that under the Condominium Code of the Philippines, building owners are responsible for the safety of their tenants. “Duplicate keys should not be left exposed with tenant IDs. They must be locked away and secured,” Tulfo said.

Ellson further complained that her unit had no double lock, making it easier for the suspects to break in. Pasay City Police investigator PSSG Gestone Pepe confirmed that the suspects, identified as Mark Bautista and Mark Christopher Taligatos, have already been charged at the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office. The victim recognized them through mugshots, as both had prior cases involving similar break-ins, including one at a spa in Las Piñas.

Pepe also noted negligence on the part of Madid, citing the absence of security personnel in the building. He added that village guards failed to ask for identification from the suspects, allowing them to enter freely.

Pasay City LGU Chief Public Information Officer Jun Tadios said the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) is now considering suspending or revoking Najar Residences’ business permit due to multiple security lapses, including the lack of double locks in rooms. He added that the city council is preparing an ordinance to strengthen security requirements for establishments, a move welcomed by Tulfo.

In the end, Tulfo compelled Madid to provide damages and compensation to Ellson, which the owner agreed to. RTIA will accompany the victim to Tadios’ office to ensure Madid fulfills his promise.

When Spare Keys Become Weapons

This was not just a robbery. It was negligence turned into access. Leaving spare keys exposed is not a small oversight. It is an open door. When criminals can walk to a reception desk, take keys, and enter a unit, security has already collapsed.

Calling it human error misses the point. Buildings that depend on luck instead of safeguards invite disaster. Keys should be locked, logged, and controlled. Guards should be present. Double locks should be standard, not optional.

Crimes do not begin with armed men alone. They begin with systems that make intrusion easy. If spare keys are left within reach, why does accountability only surface after tenants are harmed?

Image from Raffy Tulfo in Action