Rape of Vietnamese passenger probed

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered an investigation into the case of a Vietnamese woman who was allegedly raped and robbed by an accomplice of a ride-hailing firm’s driver in Parañaque.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz said the agency directed the transport network vehicle service (TNVS) to explain the allegation.

The TNVS has five days to explain before the LTFRB decides on the case, according to Guadiz.

If found remiss in its duty of protecting the passenger, Guadiz said the ride-hailing company would be slapped with suspension.

“First, the TNVS can be suspended for 30 days if we see negligence on its part. We will do this after due process, after we gather the facts of the case,” he said.

In a report, the Southern Police District said the 32-year-old Vietnamese passenger was allegedly robbed and raped during a ride using a ride-hailing app service in Parañaque on Sept. 5.

Reports said the woman was driven around by the driver. After a few minutes,  they were joined in the car by an accomplice.

Probers said the accomplice threatened the victim with a knife and took P35,000 and her cell phone before she was sexually assaulted.

The suspects dropped off the victim in San Dionisio, Parañaque where she reported the incident to police.

The driver was nabbed in Cabuyao, Laguna on Sept. 7. He admitted to the crime, but maintained it was his accomplice who raped the victim.

“The TNVS can also be fined, but it is better to slap it with suspension since it is the biggest ride-hailing company in the country,” Guadiz said.

“We got a police report, validated the facts and wrote the company for explanation,” he added.

Guadiz said he ordered officials of the LTFRB to get the side of the victim.

“Definitely, those who are guilty would be made accountable,” he said.

The LTFRB called on the public to be cautious in using ride-hailing apps and to inform a trusted person about the details of their trip.