A startling scene in Makati City, Philippines, has gone viral after photos surfaced online showing a young woman emerging from a storm drain. The images, which quickly gained traction on Reddit, have prompted broader conversations about homelessness and urban safety in the country. The unusual sight was captured by William Roberts, an amateur street photographer, during his walk home after a gym session on Monday evening. Posting the images to his Instagram account the following day, Roberts described the moment he witnessed something unexpected near the intersection of VA Rufino and Adelantado streets — a human head slowly rising from a street drain. Stunned, he watched as the woman climbed out, turned to him with a smile, and darted off when a uniformed man began to pursue her.

According to Roberts, bystanders, including traffic enforcers and motorcyclists, were left in disbelief, unsure whether to be shocked, amused, or concerned. Intrigued, he revisited the location later that night and examined the storm drain more closely. He discovered that the canal’s catchment area was surprisingly roomy, and at its base was a pipe large enough for a person to crawl through.

The next day, Roberts returned again and found officials from the Makati City Central Estate Association and the Makati Public Safety Department sealing off the damaged area of the drain. He noted that their presence was likely a direct result of the growing attention his photos had received online. Though photography had been restricted, authorities permitted him to take a few more pictures. During his visit, officials reportedly admitted that they did not know where the drainage pipes led, adding an unsettling layer to the incident.

Following the viral post, the Makati police launched a formal investigation. In a press briefing, Police Colonel Jean Dela Torre confirmed that footage from nearby CCTV cameras revealed signs of mental distress in the woman’s behavior. Authorities also uncovered various personal belongings, including pliers, improvised items, and clothes inside the drain. In response to the incident, local police increased patrols in the area and began coordinating with the city’s social welfare department for potential intervention. Meanwhile, social workers from Barangay San Lorenzo have been actively searching for the woman to provide support.

Roberts reflected on the experience, pointing out that beneath the modern façade of Makati lies a hidden reality — one where people literally exist between the cracks. He emphasized how moments like these shed light on the lives often ignored amid the city’s fast-paced environment. A 2018 study by the Philippine Statistics Authority estimated that more than 4.5 million people in the Philippines are homeless, with the majority residing in Metro Manila. In the wake of Roberts’ post, Reddit users not only raised questions about the security risks posed by accessible drainage systems but also expressed concern over the social issues that drive people to seek shelter underground. Others highlighted the potential dangers of flooding and being trapped, especially during the rainy season, if such spaces continue to be inhabited.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Instagram@iammrthirty.