Taxi firms to install 'silent' anti-robbery device

A group of taxi operators in the Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela (CAMANAVA) area yesterday presented to the police a discreet distress signal system to be installed in all taxi units based in the area.

The device is controlled by the driver and will alert the police on sight during attacks by lawless elements, said Desiree Camalayan of Uni Five Transport.

Camalayan and other taxi operators are seeking the support of the police and local authorities in their campaign against rampant taxi robberies in Camanava.

Chief Superintendent Eric Javier, Northern Police District (NPD) director, lauded the group’s initiative and vowed to use his men and resources in the continuing fight against crime in his area.

About 30 taxi operators who own one to 50 units each trooped to the Northern Police District (NPD) headquarters in Caloocan City to discuss with top Camanava police officials how to effectively reduce, if not eliminate, the menace that has resulted in the death of several cab drivers, the carjacking of their taxi units and robbery of passengers.

The group led by Camalayan, who owns 15 taxi units, presented a prototype electronic “distress signal system” to the police.

Camalayan said the silent alarm system makes use of color-coded lights that when activated by the driver during a robbery-holdup would alert the police on sight and warn them that the driver is in trouble.

Senior Superintendent Joel Alvarez, District Director for Operations, said although the device, an improvised electronic contraption or a prototype, is already good, it could still be enhanced.

Arnel Versara of Nelet Taxi in Navotas, which runs 50 units, suggested the use of light-emitting diodes (LED) which he claims are cheaper and weatherproof.