This developed as Grab Philippines issued a statement on October 30 on the death of one of its drivers Gerardo “Junjie” Maquidato Jr. due to an alleged carnapping incident in Manila last October 26.
“We are deeply saddened by the needless and untimely death of one of our best driver-partners Mr. Gerardo Maquidato Jr.,” Grab Philippines said in a statement.
“We prioritize the safety of our driver-partners as much as we do for our passengers. In critical times like this, we ask for your support as we take additional measures to prevent this from happening again,” the statement said.
“Prepare your ID. Before starting the trip, our driver-partners may ask you to show a personal identification card (ID) to verify your identity especially during night shift hours,” it said.
“We assure you that all information shown to our driver-partners will be kept confi dential and will only be used for verification purposes. Input the correct pick-up and drop-off points. Make sure you check and set the correct pick-up and drop-off points before you book a ride. Our driver-partners will only bring you to the indicated booking destinations,” Grab said.
The perpetrators pretended to be legitimate passengers who booked a ride and took the victim’s vehicle after shooting him.
“We are currently discussing tech solutions that would decrease, if not completely hamper, the chances of carnapping incidents involving Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS),” it added.
Grab Philippines country manager Brian Cu said his company is off ering P100,000 to any information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the crime.
Fiona Nicolas, Grab government communications manager, said Grab has also created a hotline to receive any leads on the whereabouts of the perpetrators. For any useful information, please call or text 09176178731.
Meanwhile, Grab tricycles complain of harassment from tricycle operators at the SM City Clark.
A Grab tricycle driver identified as Benjamin said they are being prevented from entering the premises of SM by tricycle drivers stationed at the terminal of the mall.
Benjamin said they were told by angry drivers not to pick up passengers from SM.
Passengers prefer Grab because they charge only P61 from SM Clark to the Walking Street in nearby Fields Avenue while tricycles stationed at the mall charge a fl at rate of P100 to the same location. SM City Clark public relations offi cer Venus Manalang said SM management will look into the issue.
