Well, here's a funny coincidence between Karen Tweed and my friend Mark Ringwood of Roots Around The World based in Chichester.

* Neither Mark nor Karen have ever been to Manila.
* Both Mark & Karen were robbed there.
* Both Mark & Karen need financial help to return to the UK
* ... and this is a really odd co-incidence, bother Karen and Mark need exactly 2,300 euros to pay for their repatriation
* Both Karen and Mark told me of their plight in emails that do not come from their normal email address.

In an email dated 10.11 this morning Mark writes:-

Hello,

I am sorry for reaching you rather too late due to the situation of things right now.My family and I had a trip visiting Manila Philippines,everything was going on fine until last night when we got attacked by some unknown gunmen. All our money,phones and credit cards was stolen away including some valuable items, It was a terrible experience but the good thing is that they didn't hurt anyone or made away with our passports.
         
       We have reported the incident to the local authorities and the consulate but their response was too casual, we were ask to come back in 2 weeks time for investigations to be made proper,But the truth is we can't wait till then as we have just got our return flight booked and is leaving in few hours from now but presently having problems sorting out our bills here and also getting a cab down to the airport, Right now we're financially strapped due to the unexpected robbery attack, Wondering if you can help us with a quick loan to sort out our bills and get back home. All we need is (2,300 EUR), I promise to refund you in full as soon as I return home hopefully tomorrow or next. write back now to let me know what you can do.

Thank You.

Best wishes,

Mark Ringwood

I find it really surprising that the experienc of these two was so similar.