MANILA — Ridesharing firm Grab is offering a reward worth PHP100,000 to whoever can identify the suspects behind the murder of driver Gerardo ‘Junjie’ Maquidato Jr.
The driver was killed by still unidentified persons who booked and rode as regular passengers before shooting him dead and fleeing using his vehicle in Pasay City on Thursday night.
Grab will pursue efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of Maquidato’s killing, according to Grab Country Head Brian Cu.
“Nakausap ko po ang misis niya, ang simpleng hiling lang nya ay mabigyan ng justice po si Junjie at mahuli ang duwag na pumatay sa kanya (I had a talk with Maquidato’s wife, her only wish is justice be given to Junjie and that the coward who killed him will be arrested),” Cu said in a statement.
“I think it’s within our responsibility to do whatever we can para hulihin po ang perpetrator ng crime na ito (I think it’s our responsibility to do whatever we can to catch the perpetrator of this crime),” he added.
The Grab official added he is willing to offer the reward even to the police. “We will continue working with police authorities on this matter. I want the coward brought to justice as swiftly as possible,” Cu said.
Grab created a hotline through mobile number 0917-617-8731 for any leads on the whereabouts of the suspect.
Cu warned Maquidato’s killers that Grab is using its technology to help authorities solve the incident.
Grab has earlier said it will cooperate with the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to deter carjacking incidents involving their transport network vehicle services (TNVS) which are being booked by criminals posing as legitimate passengers. The ridesharing firm said they have reported to authorities at least six confirmed carnapping cases involving Grab Car.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it is set to hold a meeting with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) as Grab has submitted a tracking copy of Maquidato’s trip. This was forwarded to the MMDA for monitoring through its CCTV system.
“LTFRB has reached out to both Uber and Grab to be able to come up with suggestions on how to protect their respective TNVS. After hearing the suggestions of the TNCs, the board will come up with a decision on what proposal to be undertaken in coordination with law enforcement agencies such as PNP-HPG,” LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada said in a text message to reporters.
Among the proposals of the transportation network companies (TNCs) include submission of a picture of the rider in order to prevent carjacking incidents and allowing drivers to share their GPS to their family members in order to track down their trips.
These will also be considered by the Board for the application of taxis in order to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents. (Aerol John Pateña/PNA)
