LTFRB tells transport firm to explain as driver held for rape, robbery

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III. | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of LTFRB

MANILA, Philippines — Grab Philippines has been ordered to explain within five days the circumstances behind the alleged robbery and rape of a Vietnamese tourist who booked a car ride via the ride-hailing app last week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, LTFRB Chair Teofilo Guadiz III said the agency had launched an investigation into the incident, allowing the transportation networking company (TNC) to explain before the agency decided on its next course of action.

Guadiz warned that if Grab was found to have been negligent, it may face sanctions, such as suspension of its app for at least 30 days, or a fine.

READ: LTFRB probes robbery, rape of ride-hailing app’s Vietnamese passenger

“First of all, we can suspend their app for at least 30 days, for the first offense, if we find any negligence. But we will do that [subject to] due process after we get all the facts of the case and we determine if they really committed negligence,” he said.

“As of now, we have asked for all the data, and the TNC, Grab, has five days to answer the [LTFRB letter-order],” Guadiz said.

The agency’s investigators have secured the police report and will soon be speaking with the victim to get her side of the story, the LTFRB official said.

Guadiz assured the public that the case would be thoroughly investigated by the LTFRB.

“We will investigate definitely and then whoever is at fault, will be held liable,” he said.

Banned from platform

Whether a suspension or a fine is imposed, it would “drive the message that you (Grab) have a big responsibility, being the biggest TNC in the country,” Guadiz said.

Grab Philippines, in a statement on Wednesday, said it had banned the driver from its platform.

In addition, the ride-hailing service operator said it was cooperating with the Philippine National Police in resolving the case.

“At the same time, we are also reaching out to the complainant to ensure that she is provided with the support and assistance she requires,” Grab said.

The company assured the public it does not tolerate misconduct on its platform and prioritizes the safety of both drivers and passengers.

“The safety of our community is our priority, and to ensure their well-being, we continuously implement rigorous driver-partner screening and training, utilize advanced safety technology, and work to establish strategic partnerships with law enforcement agencies,” Grab added.

According to the Southern Police District (SPD), the 32-year-old victim, a tourist vacationing in the country, booked a Grab ride at a subdivision in Parañaque City on Sept. 5 and was picked up around 4 a.m.

Police Major Hazel Asilo, the SPD public information office chief, said the driver drove around and then picked up another man, his accomplice, who pointed a knife at the Vietnamese and took some P35,000 in cash and a cell phone from her.

Phone, car, wig

The accomplice then proceeded to rape the victim, after which she was dropped off at Barangay San Dionisio, also in Parañaque, where she sought police assistance, the police said.

Asilo said the driver, identified only as “Andy,” was arrested in Cabuyao, Laguna, on Sept. 7, while his neighbor and accomplice, “Pogi,” remains at large.

The police recovered from the driver the victim’s mobile phone and the car involved in the crime. Also seized from the suspect—who was bald—was his wig.

Asilo said the suspects may have committed the same crime multiple times in the past, but nobody had pursued charges until the latest incident.

Based on the investigation, Asilo said the driver had canceled the trip on the app once the victim boarded the car to make it appear that the trip did not proceed.

But the driver was still identified by investigators through the subdivision’s closed-circuit television camera and the security post’s entry log, the police official said.

Guadiz urged the riding public to be constantly cautious in using ride-hailing apps, and add a layer of protection by informing a trusted person about the details of the 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 said. —with a report from Tyrone Jasper C. Piad