Cab driver accuses fratman of robbery

A taxi driver is accusing a fraternity member who is wanted for murder and homicide of robbing him yesterday.

Driver Benigno Castroverde told police it was Mark Anthony "Waway" Basalaje and two accomplices who robbed him at knifepoint at dawn yesterday fleeing with his day's earnings of P1,670.

Basalaje is allegedly the "hitman" of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.

Castroverde told The FREEMAN that while he was on his way to barangay Duljo-Fatima, he stopped along C. Padilla Street to pick up Basalaje's group. But he claimed that Basalaje, seated in the back, told him they were not going anywhere.

"Ari ra mi, kuarta ray amo," Castroverde quoted Basalaje as saying, while at the same time thrusting a knife at him.

Castroverde said he was able to block the thrust with his hand, injuring his middle finger.

Another of the three, who was seated beside Castroverde told him "Isuga gud nimo," and then thrust another knife at him but missed, giving Castroverde time to get out of his taxicab screaming for help and attracting the attention of young men who were playing billiards nearby. Basalaje's group took off with his money.

Castroverde said it was the youngsters who told him that one of those who attacked him was Basalaje. He quickly went to the police. - Ryan P. Borinaga