The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday filed homicide charges against three suspects in the killing of TNVS (Transport Network Vehicle Service) driver Reymond Enriquez Cabrera.
The charges came after the NBI confirmed that a decomposing body found in a remote area of Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija belonged to Cabrera, who went missing after accepting a ride request in Parañaque City.
In a press briefing led by NBI Director Jaime Santiago and Dr. Romel Papa of the bureau’s Forensic Science Research Services Division, officials said the suspects were linked to Cabrera’s murder through DNA, fingerprints, and dashcam footage recovered from the victim’s vehicle.
“Cause of death is chest stab wounds,” Dr. Papa said. While only two wounds were confirmed in the autopsy, he noted that tissue decomposition suggested “definitely more.” He added: “Either of the two confirmed wounds is fatal already because of the amount of blood lost and the location near the heart.”
DNA samples collected from the remains were matched with specimens from Cabrera’s children, confirming with 99.99% certainty that the body was his.
Records showed that Cabrera’s vehicle—a Toyota Avanza—was recovered after the suspects surrendered to former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. Forensic examiners also matched a fingerprint found on a water bottle inside the vehicle to suspect Jean R. Mendez. “We only need 10 identical characteristics in fingerprints. This one matched perfectly,” said an NBI fingerprint analyst.
According to NBI-NCR Agent Sir Martinez, the suspects had plotted to rob the driver. They allegedly booked a ride from a casino resort in Parañaque, hijacked the vehicle, and planned to use it for future holdups targeting casino patrons. The plan was derailed when they killed Cabrera.
Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects had committed a robbery in Manila the night before Cabrera’s killing. Intelligence gathered by the NBI indicated that two of the suspects are brothers and that the group had been involved in holdups for over a year, although this was reportedly their first fatal attack on a driver.
The original complaint, filed as carnapping and robbery with homicide, was later amended to a straight robbery with homicide case now under preliminary investigation. A minor initially listed as a respondent was excluded from the inquest after being cleared.
Dr. Papa said further forensic tests are underway, with final DNA confirmation expected by week’s end.
Director Santiago praised the inter-unit coordination within the NBI and said the bureau plans to meet with ride-hailing companies to improve the safety of TNVS drivers. “We cannot yet disclose full details to avoid tipping off criminal elements,” he added.
The victim’s family, present during the inquest, confirmed they had personally confronted the suspects and are awaiting the release of Cabrera’s remains.
The NBI encouraged other potential victims of the suspects’ previous activities to come forward.