Foreigner robbed by ride-hailing app driver

A foreigner was robbed by a ride-hailing app driver in San Juan City, according to Emil Sumangil’s report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, 

The San Juan Police said the foreigner, who is a Dominican Republic national, booked a ride from Quezon City to Makati City. 

However, upon arriving in San Juan, the driver suddenly changed his route. 

“Along the way, nagtataka yung mga victim. Bakit iba ang dinaanan nila? Pagdating sa Barcelona Street ng barangay Maytunas, duon na nag deklara ng holdap ang suspek,” said Police Colonel Francis Reglos, San Juan Chief of Police. 

(Along the way, the victims were surprised. Why did they go to a different route? Upon arriving at Barcelona Street in Barangay Maytunas, the suspect declared a holdup.)

The victim was then unable to stop him when the crime. 

“Kinuha nung suspek ang jacket ng biktima, bag at cellphone. Iniwan yung biktima, at tuluyang tumakas ang suspek,” said Reglos. 

(The suspect stole the jacket, bag, and cellphone of the victim. He left the victim and fled.)

The foreigner reported the incident to the authorities. He was able to take a screenshot of the driver's face and other personal details, so the police were able to track down the suspect's house.

“Hindi na niya naisip na mabilis lang siyang ma-locate agad,” said Reglos. 

(He did not think that he would be traced easily.)

All the stolen items were recovered, and the suspect's live-in partner who allegedly hid the evidence was also arrested. 

The car used by the suspect in the crime has been surrendered by its owner who is also the operator. 

They did not give any statement on the matter when contacted by GMA Integrated News. 

Efforts are also being made to get the side of the ride-hailing application company. 

Meanwhile, the authorities remind the public to be extra careful especially those who use ride-hailing applications. 

“I-send mo sa mga relatives mo. Para in case, magkaruon ng robbery holdup, madali natin ma-trace ang perpetrator,” said Reglos. 

(Send the driver’s profile or ride information to your relatives. So in case there’s a robbery holdup, we can easily trace the perpetrator.)—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News