‘TNVS’ driver nabbed for allegedly molesting 17-year-old passenger

Authorities arrested a man who introduced himself as a transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) driver for allegedly molesting his 17-year-old passenger in Quezon City.

According to Marisol Abdurahman's "24 Oras" report on Tuesday, the victim hailed a taxi from Pasay City but eventually got off the vehicle after being asked to pay an overpriced fare of P800 until Taft Avenue.

As she waited for her next ride, the suspect stopped by and allegedly introduced himself as a TNVS driver.

“May tumabi sa kanya ..., nagbaba ng bintana, [sabi] dito ka na lang. Mag-open ka ng app. So siya sumakay kahit hindi pa siya naka-open ng app,” Quezon City Police District district director Police Brigadier General Nick Torre said.

She was informed by the suspect that he would use a meter because it was a more affordable fare. She was also told to occupy the passenger seat next to the driver.

“Minomolestiya na siya. Kinakausap siya at pinatanggal sa kanya ang mask at sinabihan siya na maganda ka pala. Hinipuan siya,” Torre said.

The victim was terrified throughout the entire ride but could not do anything.  Fear also forced her to give her social media account to the suspect.

When she got the chance, she got out of the vehicle and immediately reported the incident to the police.

She sent a message to the suspect for a meetup without the latter knowing that she was accompanied by the police.  This led to the arrest of the driver.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News