Taxi Driver Robs American In ’Gapo

[OnMyWay]

This was not a major crime but I thought it was a bit amusing that my fellow American left all his defense in the taxi and it was all stolen!  I also find it amusing when they give so much info including the license plates!

 

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/66074-taxi-driver-robs-american-in-gapo

 

CAMP Olivas, Pampanga -- A taxi driver is now languishing in jail after he stole Sunday the belt bag of an American national in Olongapo City.

Olongapo City police director Senior Supt. Rodolfo Recomono identified the suspect as Allan Angeles Morre, 41, married, of 68 Mercurio St., Bgy. Mabayuan, Olongapo City.

Recomono said the suspect was arrested by his men shortly after the victim, Richard Loy Willis, 61, reported the incident to the police.

Police said Willis, billeted at the Grand Towers Condominium in Vito Cruz, Malate, Manila, had a flat tire while driving a rented Ford Focus (UXO-230) inside Subic Bay Freeport.

The American approached the taxi driver to bring him to a nearest vulcanizing shop in the city. The suspect then told Willis to follow him driving his Ford Focus car outside the Freeport.

Upon arrival at a vulcanizing shop on Basa St., Bgy. West Tapinac, the victim unloaded the flat tire. While talking to the shop attendant, he saw the suspect hurriedly left on board his white Mitsubishi Adventure (RDR-942) taxi.

The victim rushed inside his car and found out his big Nike belt bag was missing.

He immediately reported the incident to a nearby police station.

Several hours later, police arrested the suspect and recovered the victim’s bag containing a Sony camera, Nokia cellphone, a Stun gun, pepper spray, Leatherman knife and assorted medicines.   

[Americano]

Never trust a taxi driver. Never travel in a taxi alone. And, if you have a bag in the trunk plan ahead which person will remain in the taxi until the bag is taken out of the trunk. Some taxi drivers like to drive off with your things in the trunk. Even if you can find the driver he will just say he forgot you had things in the trunk and he could say he came back to return your bag but you were already gone. You can't prove he did it on purpose.

[northtoalaska]

"Never travel in a taxi alone."

Well that's a bit hard to do when one is traveling alone. I've only used taxis in Cebu but all the drivers I've had have been great. They've not cheated me, they've watched for my safety by locking the doors, and they've driven perfectly acceptable.

[Fred & Mimi]

I've only used taxis in Cebu but all the drivers I've had have been great. They've not cheated me, they've watched for my safety by locking the doors, and they've driven perfectly acceptable.

 

On my first trip to Cebu, I warned a passenger on the plane we we in about taxis in Phils telling him how I'd found them ready to rip you off at first notice as a foreigner. My experiences had been when I was in Manila. I was surprised to find the taxis in Cebu to work by the meter by default rather than discussing a fixed over inflated price when a foreigner entered. Pleasantly surprised and a good selling point for choosing Cebu as a new home

Edited February 23, 2014 by Fred & Mimi

[scott h]

They have metered taxi's in Manila also. We rarely use them, but when we have, we have never had a problem. YMMV

[JJReyes]

Never trust a taxi driver. Never travel in a taxi alone. And, if you have a bag in the trunk plan ahead which person will remain in the taxi until the bag is taken out of the trunk. Some taxi drivers like to drive off with your things in the trunk. Even if you can find the driver he will just say he forgot you had things in the trunk and he could say he came back to return your bag but you were already gone. You can't prove he did it on purpose.

 

I heard a variation of this story from an friend while in Manila. An American who teaches English in Japan is about to board a taxi. The driver tells him it is safer to place the bag in the trunk. As soon as he gets down, the driver takes off. Similar story from a Filipina friend who was on her way to the domestic airport. She asked the driver to stop at a bank ATM to withdraw cash. He immediately takes off.

 

I was donating two large suitcases filled with goodies to a charitable group caring for street children. It was a residential compound and I entered the gate to verify it was the right address and to shake hands with the Reverend. After a couple of minutes of conversation, it dawned on me that the suitcases were still in the taxi - one in the trunk and the other in the front seat. I rushed outside. The taxi driver was patiently waiting for me. Honest driver. I hired him for the remainder of my stay.

[brock]

It is a wise thing to always take note of the number on the side of the cab should any trouble arise

[Americano]

"Never travel in a taxi alone."

Well that's a bit hard to do when one is traveling alone. I've only used taxis in Cebu but all the drivers I've had have been great. They've not cheated me, they've watched for my safety by locking the doors, and they've driven perfectly acceptable.

 

Yes most taxi drivers in Cebu are just trying to earn an honest day's living and some will look out for your safety too, but it only takes one dishonest driver to ruin your day and possibly for many days.

 

Even a thief traveling with you would be better then traveling alone. You could sit in the taxi until she gets all of your bags out of the trunk. When my wife and I travel by taxi its my responsibility to sit in the taxi until she tells me all bags are out. I doubt any taxi driver will drive away with our bags in the trunk and me sitting behind him. It would only take me a couple of seconds to remove my leather belt and wrap it around his neck.

[Curley]

In davao hotels if you order a taxi they give you a piece of paper with the taxi and driver details in case you have a problem. Good idea

[Americano]

It is a wise thing to always take note of the number on the side of the cab should any trouble arise

 

Most of the authorized taxi pick up points in Cebu City like at the Airport, South Bus Terminal, Ayala and SM Malls have an employee who will give you a small piece of paper with the taxi number on it and instructions that tell you how to report any problem with the driver or the safety of your ride.