Former PBA player Artadi warns Filipinos to be wary during trips after theft incident in Europe

MANILA — Former professional basketball player Paul Artadi on Thursday warned fellow Filipinos traveling abroad to be cautious of theft, after he was victimized during a recent trip to Europe.

The three-time PBA champion earlier shared on Facebook his experience with his wife Maggie while on board a train in Paris, France bound for Belgium.  

Artadi said the incident took place last June 15, while they were on vacation after playing an exhibition game in London.

Former basketball player Paul Artadi. 

“We went to France. From Paris nag-train kami. So ang destination namin is going to Belgium. Siyempre ang dami mong maleta di ba?,” Artadi told ABS-CBN News.  

“Pasakay kami ng train in France, may isang tao malaki parang player din eh. Hindi siya marunong mag-English. Pero sign niya sa akin is to help me. Mabigat 'yun, lima. So binigay ko sa kanya,” he shared.  

Artadi said the man who approached them, helped them bring their five pieces of luggage on board the train.  

"Where can we put this? He said come here join me. Dinala niya hanggang dun sa cabin, may exit door ng train 'yan. Dito niya nilagay 'yung mga bags," Artadi said. 

"Ako nakakaramdam ako ang swerte ko tinulungan ako. Ang bait nito, sabi ko sa asawa ko.... Di ba yung hand carry dapat nasa tabi mo lang 'yan o nasa taas? Siyempre andun valuables mo diba? Naipalagay din niya doon sa batch ng limang bag ko," he added. 

However, he admitted he had mixed feelings when they were asked to stay in their seats where they could not see their things. 

"Kinakausap niya ako. Pero along the way may kinakausap siya na ibang lengwahe. Sabi ko sa misis ko, 'babe parang kriminal ito...' After ng last stop sa France, Belgium 'yung susunod na stop," Artadi said. 

"Paglabas niya, pagtingin ko doon, boom. Wala na 'yung bag ko, dalawa 'yung nawala. So stop pa rin kami may chance ako bumaba pero inisip ko parang huwag na akong bumaba, abala pa eh," he added.  

Artadi said the stolen two pieces of luggage contained about six-figure worth of valuables, a camera, luxury bags and clothes, and other important items.  

The former player said they reported it to the train conductor on board who tried to assist them after the incident. But Artadi believes their luggage is good as gone.  

“For me, lesson ito. Para sa mga nanonood, beware lalo na sa Europe. Huwag kayong t*nga-t*nga. Isa ako sa mga napahamak. Hindi ako nag-iisip. Tinulungan ka pero in return, patay nanakawan pala kayo,” he said.  

"Sa mga nagta-travel sa Europe, again watch out for your bags," Artadi added. 

When asked if he sought the help of authorities, Artadi said he no longer filed charges since they already had schedules in place for the rest of the trip. 

He said he posted the video on his social media account in the hopes he can warn Filipinos who will also travel in Europe.  

"Hinayaan nalang namin. Nag-vlog nalang ako, wina-warn ko yung mga Pinoy. In return ang daming nag-text sa akin, nag-DM sa akin, konsi salamat aware na kami," Artadi.  

The former basketball player and politician also posted a video of him after the incident, where he can be seen guarding his bags during the trip. 

Artadi said he and his wife are grateful none of them were harmed during the incident. 

"Hindi naman ako natakot [bumalik] bibili na ako nung wire. Kailangan niyo ng wire itali niyo lahat ng bag niyo, para ikabit niyo 'yun sa railing. Again ingat po lalo sa Europe hindi po lahat ng tao mababait," he added.