Grab to coordinate with PNP-HPG to curb carjacking incidents

Grab is currently developing a digital solution that would help decrease the chances of carnapping incidents involving TNVS. (Photo: Grab/Facebook)

MANILA — Grab 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.

This comes after one of its drivers was killed by unidentified suspects who booked and rode as regular passengers before shooting him dead and fleeing in his vehicle in Pasay City on Thursday night.

An initial police report revealed that a witness heard a gunshot at about 7:50 p.m. last October 26 and then saw a lifeless man pushed out of a silver Toyota Innova by unidentified suspects along Bonanza Street in the city.

The man was identified as Gerardo Amolato Maquidato Jr., a registered driver of a silver Toyota Innova with plate number YV 7109.

The incident has reached Grab’s attention through a social media post by Maquidato’s nephew Rex Mer Solitario on October 27.

“Grab is one with authorities in making sure that justice will be served and perpetrators will be put behind bars,” the transportation network company (TNC) said in its statement Saturday.

The ridesharing firm stated that they have reported to the authorities at least six confirmed carnapping cases involving Grab Car.

“Grab is working closely with the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group, under which is Task Force Limbas, in resolving these cases.”

Grab is currently developing a digital solution that would help decrease the chances of carnapping incidents involving TNVS.

The TNC encourages its partner-drivers to be vigilant and to use 911 hotline for emergency cases.

In October last year, Maquidato was one of the driver awardees who was recognized for giving a courtesy ride to a sick passenger after his good deed went viral because of a Facebook post from the passenger’s family.

Divine Lactao Ornum booked a GrabCar for her sister, Prima, who was on her way to Quezon City to pick up bags of blood for her dialysis. Maquidato was in the area and was less than a minute away. Maquidato picked her up but did not ask for payment for the trip out of kindness.

Prima passed away last August 22 due to complications of diabetes. During the awarding ceremony, the Ornum family was given a chance to thank Maquidato in person for taking care of Prima.

“Our prayers and sympathies go out to Mr. Maquidato’s family. He was a good father to his four children, a good friend to many of his fellow drivers, and a good driver who was always willing to outserve his passengers,” Grab stated as it express condolences to the family of the driver.