Drop-off dispute escalates; TNVS driver in Manila suspended after knife threat

• A TNVS driver in Manila was suspended and issued a show cause order by the DOTr after allegedly brandishing a knife at a couple during a dispute over a drop-off location

• Surveillance footage from Barangay 293 in Manila reportedly shows the driver retrieving a knife from his vehicle and pointing it at a male passenger, escalating a simple fare disagreement into a grave threat

• Both the DOTr and the ride-hailing company swiftly responded by suspending the driver's accreditation and removing him from their system, with potential charges for grave threat and illegal possession of a deadly weapon

• The incident underscores significant safety concerns within the ride-hailing industry, prompting authorities to urge commuters to utilize in-app safety features and report any threats or harassment

A Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver has been promptly suspended and issued a formal show cause order by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) following a disturbing incident in Barangay 293, Manila, where he allegedly brandished a knife at a couple over a disagreement concerning their drop-off location.

This alarming confrontation underscores critical safety concerns within the ride-hailing industry and has drawn swift action from regulatory bodies.

The confrontation occurred recently after a couple booked a ride through a popular ride-hailing application.

The dispute arose when the passengers asserted they were dropped off at an incorrect location, despite having, according to them, precisely pinned their intended destination within the app.

The driver, however, reportedly maintained that he had delivered them to the correct point, leading to an escalating argument.

The verbal exchange intensified after the couple exited the vehicle. Surveillance footage from Barangay 293 captured the sequence of events.

Initially, the driver was seen stepping out of his vehicle, seemingly to return change to the passengers.

However, moments later, the same footage shockingly showed the driver reaching back into his vehicle and allegedly retrieving a knife. He then reportedly pointed the weapon at the male passenger, transforming a simple fare dispute into a grave threat.

The dramatic scene prompted the female passenger to reportedly shout and call for assistance, drawing the immediate attention of bystanders in the vicinity.

Fortunately, the couple was able to create distance from the escalating situation and move to safety as the incident unfolded.

Swift response followed the reporting of the incident. Barangay officials from Barangay 293, along with personnel from the Manila Police District, arrived at the scene.

The matter was quickly escalated to higher authorities, leading to the regulatory interventions now underway.

The DOTr wasted no time in confirming that the driver's TNVS accreditation has been provisionally suspended.

Furthermore, a show cause order has been officially issued, demanding that the driver provide a comprehensive explanation for his actions.

Failure to adequately explain his conduct could result in the permanent revocation of his driver's license and his eligibility to operate as a TNVS provider.

In a parallel move, the ride-hailing company associated with the driver has also delisted him from their system, pending the outcome of the full investigation.

Law enforcement authorities are meticulously reviewing all available evidence, including the crucial CCTV footage from Barangay 293 and statements from witnesses and the affected passengers.

Investigations are progressing, and police are preparing to file potential criminal charges against the driver, which may include "grave threat" and "illegal possession of a deadly weapon."

These charges reflect the serious nature of allegedly brandishing a weapon in a public dispute and could carry significant legal penalties.

This incident serves as a stark reminder to commuters about the importance of utilizing the safety features integrated within ride-hailing applications, such as emergency contact sharing and in-app reporting tools.

Authorities continue to urge passengers to promptly report any instances of threats, harassment, or other misconduct experienced during their TNVS rides to ensure appropriate action is taken against errant drivers and to uphold the safety standards of public transportation services.

Efforts to gather specific public comments directly from the provided article link were unsuccessful due to technical limitations in accessing embedded comment sections on news websites.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a Canadian woman was arrested at NAIA on July 15 for allegedly smuggling 24 kilograms of suspected shabu worth over ₱164 million. The illegal dr&gs were reportedly found hidden in the suspect’s luggage during routine airport inspection. She is the second Canadian passenger arrested at NAIA for dr&g smuggling on the same day. The suspect is now in the custody of PDEA as authorities investigate possible links to a larger dr&g syndicate.

Still in other news, a 5-year-old boy was found dead inside a well in Sitio Bita, Barangay Suay, Himamaylan City on July 15. The boy was last seen by his father playing near the well around 12:00 noon. At 6:00 PM, the boy's body was found floating in the well; he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. According to the police, the boy likely fell into the uncovered well, prompting authorities to call for stricter safety precautions.

Source: KAMI.com.gh