Taxi driver loses earnings to robbers

CEBU, Philippines - A taxi driver lost his income and cellular phone after he was robbed by two men in Barangay Tawason, Mandaue City dawn yesterday.

Feliciano Abarquez, 36, married, a resident of Ybañez compund,in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu city was driving his KEN taxi with plate number GXR-946 when two young men flagged his vehicle near the Maguikay flyover and asked that they be brought to Barangay Casili.

However, upon reaching a recycling plant in Barangay Tawason, the two suspects declared a hold-up and took Abarquez’ P1,800 worth of earnings and Nokia mobile phone. Afterwards, Abarquez was forced out of the car as one of the suspects took over the steering wheel and both men drove away to escape.

Abarquez said the suspects aimed something at him but he was reportedly too scared to notice whether it was a gun or a knife.

Canduman police chief P/Insp. Louie Alama said Abarquez was still trembling in fear when he reported the incident to the police station.

Alama said the taxi was recovered a few hours later by the Mobile Patrol Group parked along the road in Barangay Cabangcalan. A follow-up operation is being conducted for the possible arrest of the suspects.