Authorities arrested a transport network vehicle service (TNVS) driver this week, accused of committing lewd acts against a female passenger who had fallen asleep during a trip.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents apprehended the suspect in Cainta on 16 June, near his residence, according to NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin.
Lavin, speaking on behalf of NBI Director Jaime Santiago during a press conference, said that the agency is actively investigating the case and urged anyone with similar experiences involving the driver to come forward.
“This press conference is meant to raise public awareness,” Lavin said. “If others have been victimized, we want to give them a way to seek justice through the appropriate authorities.”
The case came to light when a family member submitted the female victim’s mobile phone to the NBI. A forensic examination of the device revealed connections to other unidentified phones and SIM cards, which investigators believe could indicate more victims.
“We are trying to determine the owners of those devices,” Lavin said.
Initial findings also suggest the suspect may have used a secluded location, possibly a barangay-run hotel far from official detention centers, to commit the alleged acts. Lavin noted that the suspect’s familiarity with the area may have aided his movements.
A medical examination ruled out the suspect being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at the time of the incident.
“The suspect was not intoxicated or drugged,” Lavin said. “Based on our findings, his actions appear deliberate. He was already on top of the victim and had started removing her earrings, which coincided with the onset of lewd behavior.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to gather more evidence.
Lavin also said that they are compiling reports and working closely with counterparts to get the full picture of the case, and he encouraged anyone with information to come forward.