Dispatcher nabbed for alleged extortion from NAIA cabbies

A dispatcher at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been arrested for allegedly extorting money from cabdrivers.

According to Emil Sumangil's report on "24 Oras" on Thursday, a group of taxi drivers flocked to the office of the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) to complained about the suspect.

“Humihingi siya ng 100 pesos sa kada taxi driver. Lalo na yung bumibiyahe ng from NCR hanggang malayong probinsya,” said Police Captain Elbert Santos, CIDG Deputy Chief, Southern National Capital Region. 

(He would ask for P100 from each taxi driver. Especially those traveling from NCR to remote provinces.) 

The dispatcher would allegedl said that he drives away passengers if the drivers do not give a lift.

“Binubugaw yung mga pasahero sa ibang terminal ng taxi, at hindi pinapasakyan sa taxi na nandoon malapit sa terminal,” said Santos. 

(He would direct passengers to other taxi terminals and not let them board the terminal closer to the doors.) 

The taxi drivers have already filed a complaint of robbery extortion.

“Sila ay nahihirapan na sa pagbibigay na ito. Minsan naipapasa nila ang singil sa pasahero kaya tumataas ang presyo at singil,” Santos added. 

(They are already struggling, with this racket. Sometimes they would pass the charge on to the passenger thus increasing the charge.) 

According to the PNP-CIDG, they are now in contact with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). 

Initial investigation also revealed that a third-party contractor was arrested, who has declined to comment.

GMA Integrated News, meanwhile, is still trying to get a statement from the MIAA. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News