1 week Ago By Jay-r Santiago
A Vietnamese woman was robbed and assaulted after booking a ride through a popular ride-hailing app in Parañaque City. On the early morning of September 5, 2024, the Southern Police District Public Information Office (SPD-PIO) reported the crime, which unfolded after the victim arranged a ride home but never reached her destination. The victim booked the ride around 4 a.
m., expecting to head home. However, instead of being dropped off, the driver took her on a different route, driving around aimlessly.
During this time, another man entered the vehicle. Once inside, the man, who appeared to be working with the driver, threatened the victim with a knife and took her belongings, including P35,000 in cash and her phone, according to Southern Police District Public Information Office (SPD-PIO) chief PMaj. Hazel Asilo.
Unfortunately, the crime escalated further. While still in the vehicle, the victim was sexually assaulted by the accomplice. After the robbery and assault, the suspects dropped the victim off in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque, where she was able to report the incident to the authorities.
On September 7, 2024, the Parañaque police tracked down and arrested the 36-year-old driver in Cabuyao, Laguna. The victim positively identified him. The vehicle used in the crime was recovered, along with the victim’s phone, a pocket knife, wallet, and a .
45 caliber firearm with a loaded magazine. The driver admitted to his involvement in the robbery but claimed the sexual assault was committed by his accomplice, identified only as “Alias Pogi,” who remains at large. Authorities are investigating whether there are more victims, especially foreign nationals, targeted by the pair.
The arrested suspect faces charges of robbery with rape, along with violations of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. “Chine-check pa natin kung meron sila pang ibang victims so inaantay natin kung may mga victims pa o mga foreign nationals talaga ‘yung mga target nitong magkasabwat na ito. Inaalam pa natin kung meron tayong posibleng mga biktima na puwedeng lumapit kung sila ay nabiktima nito o natatakot lamang na mag-report,” Asilo said.
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