NAIA taxi driver overcharging OFW arrested

Mago was previously arrested for contracting and overcharging passengers based on a video posted by his victims that went viral on social media a few months ago. #overchargingtaxi

Friddie Mago (center) in custody by NAIA police. (Anthony Ching)

A driver of a white taxi who allegedly overcharged overseas Filipino workers (OFW) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 was arrested Tuesday, according to Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal identified the suspect as Friddie Mago, 49, driver of Jomea taxi with plate no. TXY-831 and a resident of No. 6 E. Rodriguez corner FB Harison Street, Pasay City.

In a report to Monreal, Airport Police Senior Inspector Roderick Mejia said Mago was confronted by AP02 Joel Estole for illegal parking, obstructing traffic and for not wearing proper taxi driver uniform at Bay 3 of the NAIA Terminal 3 around 5 p.m.

Estole also asked for his driver’s license but Mejia said the suspect refused to give his license and started cursing the former. Estole and Mejia arrested the suspect and brought him to the police office.

During interrogation, Mejia discovered that Mago was previously arrested for contracting and overcharging passengers based on a video posted by his victims that went viral on social media a few months ago.

Mejia added that last 1 March 2018, Mago was also arrested by then Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board board member and now a Civil Service Commission chief Aileen Lizada for contracting passengers at the NAIA Terminal 3.

Mago was charged with unjust vexation; resistance and disobedience to a person in authority and direct assault, before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.