Cabbie faces raps for molesting DLSU student

MANILA, Philippines - A taxi driver accused of molesting a 19-year-old student of De La Salle University in Manila was slapped with criminal charges Friday night.

Miguel Maranan, 31, was charged with robbery, attempted rape and violation of Article 276 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes kidnapping or serious illegal detention before the city prosecutor’s office.

The charges were filed by the Manila Police District’s intelligence division.

Police said the girl hailed Maranan’s cab, a Hyundai Accent with license plates UVB-953, outside a bar in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig on Nov. 29.

She instructed the cabbie to take her to a condominium along Taft Avenue without knowing that Maranan’s accomplice was hiding in the front passenger seat.

Instead of bringing her home, Maranan drove to a motel in Las Piñas where he was allegedly molested and held for 10 hours.

The cabbie released the girl after taking her mobile phone and bag containing P6,000 in cash.

Police arrested Maranan outside his home in Upper Bicutan, Taguig on Friday morning.