I sent Mae some money yesterday. She and her cousin collected the money, bought some food, and were mugged on the way to the church. Mae was slightly hurt. All money lost, plus her and her cousin's mobile phones, plus keys to her apartment.
Obviously she is very upset, but at least she was not badly hurt. Bit expensive for me, which I cannot afford, but at least she has that to fall back on. If it had happened three months ago I might not have believed her - but for now I just feel sick with shock and worry.
She did all the right things - reported it to the police, got the phone blocked.
I'm sorry but it does rather confirm everything I have heard about the Philippines.
Ian