Motorcycle taxi riders fear night trips after series of deadly attacks targeting fellow riders

• Motorcycle taxi riders say they are becoming afraid to work at night following recent attacks on fellow riders
• The family of slain rider Fabio Norberte Jr., also known as Kuya Junjun, continues to receive sympathizers after his fatal stabbing in Caloocan
• Some riders now carefully assess passengers and destinations before accepting bookings
• The Philippine National Police has pledged to coordinate with ride-hailing companies and local governments to strengthen rider safety

Motorcycle taxi riders are expressing growing fears over working night shifts following a series of robbery and killing incidents involving their fellow riders, including the recent death of Fabio Norberte Jr., popularly known as Kuya Junjun.

According to a report by GMA News' "Unang Balita" on Friday, Norberte was allegedly stabbed by his passenger in Caloocan before dawn on Tuesday. The suspect reportedly fled with the victim's motorcycle after the attack.

Family members continue to receive visitors at Norberte's wake in Barangay San Antonio, San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City. Among those paying their respects are fellow motorcycle taxi riders who regularly work at night.

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One of them, Elvin Olarde, said he often crossed paths with Norberte while on duty and was shocked by what happened.

“Mabait ito sir, matulungan ito sir. Lalo na ‘pag may nasiraan sa daan. Ano ito eh, tumutulong talaga,” said Olarde.

The tragedy has left many riders worried about their own safety while accepting bookings after dark.

“Halos rider 'yung pinupuntirya ngayon eh. Nakakatakot talaga sir, sunod-sunod na po sir eh. Hindi lang isa, hindi lang dalawa. Maraming beses nang nangyayari,” Olarde added.

Other riders, including Jill Joseph and Richmond Agtarap, said they have become more cautious in accepting trips. They now ask passengers about their destinations and think twice before taking bookings that lead to unfamiliar or isolated areas.

“Nakakatakot po kasi hindi mo po alam ‘yung bababaan mo kung madilim ba. Kaunting dasal na lang po kasi may dalawa din po ako anak eh,” said Joseph.

“Parang ayoko na nga bumiyahe ng panggabi. Kinikilatis ko ‘yung customer sir kung siya, galaw niya or kung ano ba ‘yung gagawin niya,” said Agtarap.

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The Philippine National Police said it will coordinate with ride-hailing companies, local government units, and other stakeholders to improve safety measures for riders, passengers, and the public.

Meanwhile, authorities in Bocaue are investigating the death of a 45-year-old woman who was allegedly killed by her 33-year-old half-brother after an argument over fare money. The victim suffered multiple injuries and was declared dead before reaching the hospital. The suspect has since been taken into police custody and is expected to face a murder complaint.

In another incident, police arrested a 37-year-old man in Bokod for the alleged killing of his 74-year-old mother. The case came to light after a resident spotted human remains protruding from a shallow grave. Investigators later recovered bloodstains and other evidence inside the house where the suspect and the victim had been living together. Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the motive behind the crime.

Separately, emergency personnel in Zamboanga City removed a 10-foot python that had slithered into a parked car, an operation that gained attention after a Bureau of Fire Protection video circulated online. In Aurora, wildlife authorities released a Northern Luzon giant cloud rat back into the forest as part of efforts to preserve the province's unique native wildlife.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh