Cabbie nabbed for kidnap try

MANILA, Philippines - A taxi driver was arrested Sunday for allegedly attempting to abduct a casino dealer in Pasig City.

Salvador Nazareno, 63, was cornered by the victim’s father and security guards of a cemetery in Pasig City before he could escape with his 23-year-old passenger, city police chief Senior Superintendent Mario Rariza said.

Nazareno, who drives for the Lady Ella Trans taxi firm, chose to remain silent when questioned why he tried to kidnap his passenger.

Rariza said they are preparing to charge Nazareno with attempted abduction.

Looks

The victim and her father flagged down Nazareno’s taxi (UWE-306) at about 10:30 a.m. in Cavite and asked him to take them to the Evergreen Memorial Park in Barangay Caniogan, Pasig.

The victim’s father told police that along the way, he noticed Nazareno kept on looking at his daughter through the rearview mirror. He said he warned the driver to “concentrate on the road.”

When they reached the cemetery, the father paid their fare and got out of the taxi first. To the father’s surprise, Nazareno locked the doors of the taxi, then sped away with the victim.

The father sought the help of the cemetery’s security guard and together they ran after Nazareno, who drove around the cemetery for several minutes looking for the exit.

Caught

Police Officer 3 Rolando Anselmo said when Nazareno was finally cornered, he initially refused to open the taxi’s doors. When he finally opened them, the guard arrested Nazareno and turned him over to the police.

Nazareno is being held at the Pasig City police detention center. The suspect’s employer, a lawyer, arrived at the police station but refused to represent Nazareno. He told police he is only interested in recovering his firm’s vehicle.