KMJS: Motorcycle taxi rider's mother seeks justice as fellow riders call for better safety after fatal stabbing

The family of a motorcycle taxi rider who was fatally stabbed by a passenger in Caloocan City is seeking justice, while fellow riders are expressing fears over their safety following a series of attacks against riders.

The incident happened in Barangay 20, Kaunlaran Village in Caloocan City on July 14.

CCTV footage previously showed a passenger allegedly stabbing 46-year-old motorcycle taxi rider Junjun with an ice pick after the ride ended before taking off with the victim's motorcycle.

Junjun was brought to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

In Sunday’s episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Jessica Soho personally visited Junjun's wake in Quezon City, his mother, Carmen, said she is still struggling to accept the death of her son, whom she described as the family's breadwinner.

"Masakit sa kalooban ko po. Malungkot. Nawalan kami ng breadwinner, na siya 'yung tumutulong sa amin," she said.

["It's so painful for me. We lost our breadwinner, the person we depended on".]

Carmen recalled learning about what happened after barangay personnel went to their home in the early hours of the morning to inform them that Junjun's motorcycle, cellphone, and wallet had been recovered in Malabon.

She said she immediately feared something had happened to her son.

According to Carmen, Junjun worked different jobs through the years, including as a waiter and an L300 van driver, before becoming a motorcycle taxi rider because it allowed him to manage his own time.

He chose to work the night shift so he could spend his days caring for his child, who has autism. Carmen said Junjun was also supporting his elderly parents.

"May kapansanan 'yung anak niya. May autism po 'yung anak niya. Kaya siya nagsusumikap. Dahil sa anak niya. Dahil sa amin. Kaya kahit na meron siyang sakit, talagang nagpapasada siya," she said.

["His child has a disability. His child has autism. That's why he works so hard—it's for his child, and for us. So even though he was sick, he really kept on driving."]

She added that Junjun hoped to work abroad someday to provide more for his family.

Police detail suspect's arrest and previous cases

Police said that after the Caloocan incident, the suspect allegedly went to Malabon, where he robbed another victim before he was arrested.

Malabon City Police Sub-station 4 chief Kenneth Mission said officers were able to respond after the robbery victim sought help from nearby residents, who then alerted police conducting patrols in the area.

Mission also said the suspect had previous criminal records.

"Bago nangyari yun, July 14, mayroon din siyang na-carnap noong July 11," he said, adding that police records show two motorcycle theft cases linked to the suspect.

["Before that happened on July 14, he also had a vehicle stolen on July 11."]

Addressing questions on why the suspect was previously out of jail despite earlier cases, Mission explained that the earlier offenses were bailable.

"'Yung mga na-commit niya kasi na kaso noon ay may bail naman. At baka temporary liberty kaya nasa labas siya," he said.

["The offenses he previously committed were bailable. He might be out on temporary liberty, which is why he is free."]

Mission said investigators believe the suspect acted alone in the recent crimes, adding that authorities are looking into whether illegal drugs may have influenced the suspect's actions, although this still has to be confirmed through a drug test.

Police have filed charges against the suspect, including motornapping with homicide, which Mission said is a non-bailable offense.

Meanwhile, Carmen questioned the suspect's claim that the killing was unintentional.

"Pasensya na hindi ko sinasadya. Sabi niya. Puwede bang sabihin mo 'yun, Ma'am? Na hindi mo sinasadya. Pinlano niya 'yun!" she said.

[“He said ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.’ How can you even say that, Ma'am? That he didn't mean to? He planned it.”]

She also said no representative from the suspect's family has reached out to them.

Recent attacks leave riders fearing for their safety

The case has also raised concerns among motorcycle taxi and delivery riders, many of whom have shared messages on social media asking passengers not to harm them and saying they would rather surrender their belongings than lose their lives.

‘Donna’, whose partner Ren Ren also worked as a motorcycle taxi rider, said she constantly worries about his safety because of the risks that come with the job.

Ren Ren had previously survived a stabbing attempt in 2024.

However, on July 10, ‘Donna’ received messages from someone using Ren Ren's account, claiming he had figured in a traffic accident and asking for money.

She later became suspicious and eventually learned that her partner had been abducted.

Authorities later found Ren Ren dead in Carmona, Cavite. Initial police findings indicated he had been shot.

A 22-year-old suspect was later arrested and now faces charges including carnapping, illegal possession of firearms, and frustrated homicide in connection with another attack.

The suspect declined to discuss the allegations and said he would explain his side in court. He also apologized to the victim's family.

The Philippine National Police said it plans to strengthen coordination with ride-hailing companies to improve rider safety amid the recent incidents. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA News