A 21-year-old passenger was robbed and raped by a holdupper who pretended to be a ride-hailing motortaxi service driver.

The incident happened at about 3 a.m. on March 13, 2025 at a secluded area of the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City.

The 22-year-old suspect was later arrested. 

The victim, Eva (not her real name), works as a massage therapist. She said that she took a  ride-hailing motortaxi ride on her way home to Talisay City that she thought she had booked earlier. It was too late when she learned that she took the wrong motortaxi.

She said that the driver stopped in a secluded area at the SRP pretending to pee.

Eva said she used the moment to take a photograph of the plate number of the motorcycle and sent it to her mother.

As soon as the driver went back to the motorcycle, he poked a screwdriver at the victim and took her cellphone and cash.

For fear of her life, Eva implored not to be hurt as she needs to get home to her common-law husband and their two-year-old child. 

However, the suspect proceeded in raping her.

After committing the crime, she said, the driver ferried her in the vicinity of her residence.

As soon as the suspect left, Eva sought help from the authorities who conducted immediately a follow-up operation.

The suspect identified only as a certain "Lucio" was tracked down at the Cebu Transcentral Highway on the side of Balamban town with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS) installed by the owner of the motorcycle. It was further learned that the suspect used the motorcyle via rental.

Lucio admitted committing the crime, citing the need for funds to settle his tuition. The suspect said he is a second-year college student taking up Electrical Technology.

Lucio added that it was only the cellphone and the money that he wanted, but the victim agreed reportedly to have sex with him.

However, the victim pointed out that out of fear, she told the suspect she would do anthing for him if he spares her life.

“Tungod sa kahadlok, ako tong nasulti nga buhaton nako ang tanan basta dili lang ko niya patyon,” Eva said.

Lucio said he regrets the crime and apologizes to the victim, citing he still wants to pursue his studies, but the victim is determined to file charges against him.

Her live-in partner, alias “Gabriel,” vowed to support her and vented out his sentiment to the news team that the return of the death penalty is a must for crimes as such.

The police have already prepared the appropriate cases to be filed against the suspect, as of this writing.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Police Office has lauded Police Station 11 in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City for the swift resolution of the case, according to Deputy City Director for Operations, Police Lt. Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay.