Taxi driver dies while ferrying passenger

MANILA, Philippines – A taxi driver died in Caloocan City while ferrying a passenger to his destination in Malabon yesterday.

Investigators said they do not have yet the results of an autopsy but suspect Joel Maledios, 53, died of natural causes.

Passenger Gian Franco told police Maledios was driving him home to Araneta Village when the cabbie suddenly pulled over in front of a drugstore at the Bonifacio Market in Monumento.

Franco said he then noticed Maledios slumped on the steering wheel, apparently unconscious. He sought the assistance of watchman Joemari Santos and they brought Maledios to the nearby MCU Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Reports showed there were no visible signs of external injuries on Maledios’ body. His belongings and money were also intact, prompting police to declare there was no foul play. – Jerry Botial