Taxi driver nabbed for allegedly robbing passenger in QC

MANILA, Philippines — A taxi driver was arrested Monday for allegedly robbing his passenger in Novaliches, Quezon City.

A report from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Tuesday said victim Malou Luyang, 28, boarded the taxi driven by Zaldy Macatlag at the Araneta Center in Cubao, and asked to be taken to the Sandiganbayan in Barangay Batasan Hills.

Police said the suspect instead took Luyang to Engineering Street in Barangay Sauyo, Novaliches where he declared the heist and took her cellphone.

Police added that Macatlag also struck Luyang in different parts of her body using a steel pipe. While being attacked, police said Luyang managed to get a toothbrush from her bag and stabbed the suspect in his left eye, allowing her to escape from the cab.

A tricycle driver saw Luyang and took her to the Far Eastern University hospital for treatment, the QCPD said.

Operatives of the Novaliches Police Station meanwhile launched a follow-up operation against Macatlag. He was arrested at the East Avenue Medical Center. Police said the victim positively identified the taxi driver.

Supt. Rosell Cejas of the Novaliches police told INQUIRER.net that Macatlag will stay at the hospital until he recuperates. Cejas said police officers have been deployed to the hospital to guard Macatlag who is now facing a charge of robbery hold-up with frustrated murder.

Taken from Macatlag were a 16-inch long steel pipe, the victim’s cellphone, a luggage, and a black sling bag containing several identification cards, police said.  /muf