Hunt on for taxi driver accused of robbing, raping female passengers

The police are hunting for a taxi driver who victimized five women in a span of four months, Susan Enriquez reported on GMA's “24 Oras” on Tuesday.

The driver allegedly robbed four women while he stole from then raped a fifth victim.

The Mandaluyong City police are zeroing in on a certain Ricky Ramos, who is also wanted for robbery cases.

Ramos was positively identified by the victims through a rogue gallery presented to them. 

“Ito [Ramos] nangangarnap somewhere in Quezon City, Pasay, Makati. Then pag nagka-carnap na sya, mag-aano sya mag-aabang na siya ng pasahero. Usually pini-pick up niya mga batang babae, around 22 years old,” said Mandaluyong City Police Chief Senior Supt. Joaquin Alva. 

The suspect seemed to have a penchant for committing his crime every 19th of the month and victimizing women aged between 22 to 25.

Alva said one of the victims was able to record the license plate number of the taxi, prompting the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to look into the case. 

The LTFRB said the taxi was stolen a day before the crime took place, on March 18. The vehicle was recovered by the taxi company the next day, March 19. 

“Meron tayong nakuhang plate number dun sa verification, at tinitingnan natin kung mate-trace natin sa isang operator ’to o isang registered owner ng sasakyan,” said LTFRB Board Member Ariel Inton.

Supt. Alva, meanwhile, advised women to be careful, particularly those who prefer to travel using a taxi.

“Sumakay ka sa mga establishment na nagre-record ng plate number ng taxi. Pwede mong bilinan yung guard na inalisan mo na i-record o di kaya mag-text ka dun sa kasama mo na sumakay ka sa isang taxi na ganito, i-text mo ang plate number,” Alva said.  — Virgil Lopez/BAP, GMA News