Rocco Nacino urges local marine theme park to improve security after driver was nearly robbed in parking lot

Rocco Nacino shared his driver's account of a near-robbery in the parking lot of Manila Ocean Park.

The Kapuso actor on Monday called out the local theme park while recounting their unfortunate experience.

He said that he and his family visited the theme park on July 2. They brought two cars and a driver, as it was a "hectic day." His family went inside the park while the driver stayed in the car to rest.

“Our driver took a nap and turned off the engine of the car. Since hindi sanay matulog sa car, mababaw ang tulog niya,” he said. 

Shortly after, his driver noticed a group of strange individuals who “started circling" and look inside the car.

“A little later, two cars parked in front of him, and out came seven individuals, 5 of them male and 2 female. They started circling around the car, slowly peeping inside. obviously looking for something,” he said. 

“Our driver got nervous and started to fake his sleep, but he was slowly watching them. He heard from one of the men, saying, ‘may tao ba? May makukuha ba?’ Which the woman replied, ‘meron pala, natutulog.’” he added. 

Fortunately, the group decided to drive away, making his driver and his valuables safe from potential robbery. The 36-year-old actor raised concerns about how they would be in danger if ever they didn’t have someone inside the car. 

“If my driver wasn't there, basag ang windows ko niyan, kinuha na lahat ng valuables sa loob lalo na at kitang kita na maraming baby stuff inside,” he said. 

“If pumalag ang driver ko, most probably may baril ang mga lalaki na de kotse pa,” he added.  

He stressed that he does not intend to bash the establishment, but stressed that there is a need to improve its security. 

“Posting this not to bash ocean park. But please, bump up your security. Increase roving around the parks inside and outside the park,” he said. “Please invest [in] your security, lalo na maraming tourists na dumadalaw sa park and hotels.” 

Looking back, Rocco couldn’t be more grateful to dodge the incident, especially since he planned to withdraw money and store it inside the compartment. 

“Napakswerte namin nung araw na iyon. I was supposed to withdraw some money and lock in in the compartment. Buti nalang hindi ko tinuloy. Kapag napagtripan kami, at nabuksan yun, goodbye pera,” he wrote. 

He then reminded everyone to not leave any valuables inside the car when they visit the local theme park. 

“For the families visiting Manila Ocean Park, PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES INSIDE YOUR CAR. Mabuksan man nila, basta wala sila makuha na valuables,” he said. 

“Ang laki laki ng kinikita niyo Ocean Park, invest naman kayo in safe parking spaces and number of security guards,” he concluded his post. 

Meanwhile, Manila Ocean Park has responded to the report, assuring that the safety of their guests and employees is their “top priority.” 

“MOP implements security measures and protocols within the park, including its parking facilities to guard against criminals and unscrupulous individuals,” they wrote. 

Refuting their statement, Rocco reiterated that following their experience, “safety and security were not prioritized at all." He added that there were no CCTVs and that, according to one netizen, only one person is in charge of the whole parking area.

“May the comments help in restructuring the overall security of the whole compound. Sayang, lots of potential pa naman.”  

“Looking forward to hopefully another visit soon but with peace of mind this time,” he wrote. 

PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to Manila Ocean Park regarding the matter but has yet to receive a reply.