South Korean loses P.5 million to taxi driver

MANILA, Philippines - A South Korean national lost some P500,000 worth of cash and personal belongings to a taxi driver who allegedly robbed him.

The 29-year-old victim, Kang Se-chul, told police he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at around 1 a.m. last Saturday when he opted to flag down a taxi outside the airport.

Police Officer 2 Reginald delos Reyes, of Manila Police District General Assignment Section, found that Kang told the driver to bring him to a hotel in Ermita.

But before the taxi reached the hotel, the driver pulled over and forced Kang out of the vehicle. The victim, police said, was too scared to resist so the suspect managed to flee toward Roxas Boulevard.

Delos Reyes said the driver reportedly carted away the victim’s laptop, Gucci wallet, digital camera, mp3 player and other important belongings.

The victim was not able to remember the name of the taxi or its plate number. Delos Reyes said police will investigate further.