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MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has launched its investigation into the reported robbery and sexual assault allegedly committed by a ride-hailing app driver’s accomplice against a Vietnamese passenger.
LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III on Wednesday said they had already sent a letter to the ride-hailing company asking it to explain the allegations as part of the agency’s efforts “to determine who will be held accountable.”
READ: Vietnamese woman arrested in Naia for unruly behavior
“Una po, gumawa po kami ng police report, vinalidate po namin yung katotohanan at saka yung facts ng kaso. Pangalawa po, sumulat na rin po kami sa app hailing company na pagpaliwanagin kung ano itong nangyaring ito,” Guadiz revealed in a statement on Wednesday.
(First, we created a police report and validated the information and the facts of the case. Second, we wrote to the company asking them to explain what happened.)
“And then number three, pinapuntahan po namin yung naholdap na Vietnamese, may utos po ako para alam namin yung bang side niya, mag-iimbestiga kami definitely and then kung sino nga po yung may kasalanan, mananagot po,” he added.
(And third, we went to the Victim to get her side, to determine who will be held accountable.)
The company was given five days to respond to LTFRB’s letter.
According to Guadiz, the ride-hailing company may face sanctions such as suspension of the app for at least 30 days and may also be fined if there is negligence on their part.
He likewise advised the public to be cautious and inform a trusted person about the details of their trip.
“We urge the riding public to exercise caution when using ride-hailing apps. Always verify the driver’s identity, share your trip details with a trusted person, and stay alert throughout the journey to ensure your safety,” he added.
Last week, the Southern Police District (SPD) reported that a 32-year-old Vietnamese woman was allegedly robbed and raped inside a ride-hailing service car she booked last September 5.
Police said the driver had an accomplice who later boarded the vehicle, threatened the victim with a knife, and reportedly robbed her of P35,000 and an iPhone.
The driver’s cohort allegedly raped the victim before blindfolding and abandoning her in front of an establishment along Barangay San Dionisio in Parañaque City.
Two days later on September 7, police apprehended the driver identified as “Andy.”
Seized from him were the vehicle used to commit the crime, the victim’s iPhone, another phone, a pocket knife, a wallet, and a .45 caliber firearm.
Andy is now facing complaints of robbery, rape, and another charges for violations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.