Vanessa Antonio, Yanni Collins share scary Airbnb incident in Tagaytay involving alleged intruder

She added that they eventually managed to reach the property's staff, who arrived outside the villa a few minutes later. However, she expressed frustration that the staff "didn't seem concerned at all" about the incident and had no "sense of urgency."

A similar frustration happened when they were able to talk with the villa's host regarding the incident, whom she described as "very hostile and defensive. According to her, the owner bragged that he is a Philippine Coast Guard and knew the police in the area.

"[He] went on to gaslight us, saying he didn't see anyone in the CCTV (take note: he was already making that comment before I told him what time the incident happened - which HE DIDN'T ASK ME ALSO BY THE WAY), so I told him 'WOW you already had the time to review 3.5hrs worth of footage?!' Because he was claiming he reviewed it from 12 a.m.," Collins said.

Collins added: "He wanted to come over [to] the Airbnb to investigate the case himself, but I thought since he's part of the PCG, he might have a gun and I wouldn't want him to be around us if ever he was involved in any way."

Collins "politely" told the host that they would just leave and he could keep the money. However, the host seemed to mishear her and aggressively replied, "ANO?! Gusto niyo ng refund?!" 

She claimed the host "clearly cares more about that than our safety." 

"The guy came through the bathroom with the backdoor entrance. We thought he was still scanning the place when we discovered him. No belongings were taken. We also don't know if he had any company with him outside since our curtains were closed the whole time," she said.

Meanwhile, Antonio pointed out the host's "lack of empathy" after the incident. "Statements such as 'we reviewed the CCTV and didn’t see anything but a cat entered the room' made us feel worse than we already did," she told L!fe.

She noted that the hosts did not voluntarily offer the refund and only provided a partial refund.

"It is also not true that they acted immediately: when the incident was happening and we called their number, they had declined our call 3 times before picking it up," she said.

"The investigation happened already in the morning because we insisted that it should be investigated," she added.

Collins and her friends believe that the host or the villa's staff was involved in the incident. On her Instagram story, she posted a screenshot of the reminder from the resort before their check-in date, explaining that they might hear light footsteps on the ceiling, likely caused by neighborhood cats or dogs.

"We also find it suspicious that the host has warned us about the light footsteps or movement coming from the ceiling at night, as if they were priming us for when the robbers come sneaking in. Trixia & Vee slept at around 12:30 a.m., and I stayed up until 1:45 a.m., but we didn't hear a single thing nor did we hear any BARKING SOUNDS FROM DOGS AND MEOWS/HISSES/PURRS FROM CATS," she shared.

"To this day, my body is shaking from the incident, and I see that burglar in my sleep," Collins lamented.

For her part, Estilles noted that while no one was hurt and no personal belongings were taken, the incident had taken an emotional and mental toll on them.

"The situation inflicted so much anguish, paranoia, and frustration. It pains us significantly that the sense of urgency in the case is not immediate, as well when we confer with the Management," she said.

"We were robbed of our precious time, peace of mind together with our trusting nature as women. Instead of us relaxing and enjoying our company, as it served as a mini-reunion, we were taken aback by the circumstances," she added.

Meanwhile, Antonio expressed her dismay, saying that while the villa was beautiful and had stellar Airbnb reviews, "behind the stars [was] poor management response and a vulnerable, unsafe property."

She also shared the lessons they've learned from the incident, including checking the locks immediately, knowing how to improvise a weapon, and communicating with the group.

"We trusted each other's instincts and respected each other's decision. That's what kept us alive," Antonio wrote.

She also encouraged fellow women to stand their ground, especially in vulnerable situations like this.

"You can be feminine and still not let yourselves be an easy prey; There are people with bad intent out there, thinking they can easily harm women without a fight. There are also men who will bully, instead of protecting women. Don't let them get away without a fight," she wrote in her now-expired Instagram story.

Airbnb host's statement

L!fe reached out to the Airbnb host for their statement. In a full, unedited response to the guest's report, they stated:

"We confirm that an incident was reported by our guests on October 13. Upon receiving the report, our team immediately coordinated with the local PNP, who responded and conducted an on-site investigation. Based on initial findings, there were no signs of forced entry or theft. There were also no reported stolen items from guests, but we continue to cooperate fully with the authorities as the investigation remains ongoing.
Airbnb has also processed and credited the guests’ full refund.

"Following the incident, we have implemented additional safety measures. We coordinated with Airbnb to clarify permissible security enhancements and were advised that CCTV cameras may only be installed in exterior and common areas. In compliance with that policy, we are adding more cameras in allowable locations such as parking and perimeter points of entry. We have also assigned roving staff during night hours, and the local PNP has increased their patrol visibility in the area.

"We value the safety and comfort of our guests above all. We sincerely regret that our guests felt unsafe and that harrowing experience during their stay and are taking all appropriate steps, in coordination with the local PNP, to strengthen our security and prevent similar incidents in the future."

Safety tips

Beyond reading reviews and researching about the property, it's important to thoroughly inspect the Airbnb unit upon checking in. Airbnb's website also advises taking time to read through the host’s profile and listing description.

For added security, you may also bring a portable door lock or door alarm, which you can purchase on e-shopping platform apps like Shopee and Lazada.

It's also helpful to research more about the neighborhood and keep a list of local emergency contact numbers, including nearby police and medical services.

You can also inform a friend or loved one of your plans and exact whereabouts, and consider sharing your live location with them.