Taxi driver attacks passenger with a samurai, LTFRB raises alarm over violent drivers

A passenger with his 10-year-old child luckily escaped a taxi driver’s samurai attack.

Following a series of incidents involving arrogant cab drivers, a taxi driver allegedly attacked his passenger with a samurai sword on Wednesday night (January 13) in Quezon City.

According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) report, the suspect identified as Manuel Publico tried to hit complainant Bayani Arradza with a samurai after a heated argument. Luckily, Arradza evaded the attack.

Arradza and his 10-year-old son boarded Publico’s taxi at UP Bliss, Quezon City at around 6:40 p.m. He asked the suspect to take them to Project 4, also in Quezon City.

However, Arradza noticed they were plying the route going to Cubao instead, prompting him to confront Publico.

The two got into an argument, the police report said, and Publico got irked, stopped the cab and asked his passengers to alight. He then reached for his samurai and tried to hit Arradza.

Arradza managed to take the weapon from his attacker’s hand but fearing for his son’s life, he threw the weapon away to escape with his son.

Publico again got hold of the samurai and tried to stop Arradza and his son, but passersby and motorists responded to help.

The QCPD said it will file a case against the taxi driver for attempted homicide. It also advised the passenger to file a formal complaint before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Publico’s cab was originally operated by Sangalang Taxi but was already sold and transferred to another operator.

Alarming incidents

LTFRB board member Antonio Inton Jr. said on Thursday (January 14) that the series of reported incidents involving taxi drivers is alarming.

“Alarming in the sense that illegal acts are no longer about over-charging or refusal to convey passengers, now we’re talking about more violent acts such as attempted homicide. In other words, there are some drivers out there who are willing and ready to injure, and worse kill their passengers,” Inton said.

Inton added it is high time for the agency to revisit its current orders and statutes.

He specifically called for the review of the so-called boundary system as he believes the illegal acts done by cab drivers are rooted in their desire to earn more.

Source: cnnphilippines.com