A 24-year-old tricycle driver in Dagupan City was arrested for allegedly harassing his 44-year-old female passenger. 

According to the police, the victim boarded the tricycle in Barangay Caranglaan, Dagupan City, intending to go home to Barangay San Vicente, Calasiao, Pangasinan. 

The suspect allegedly changed routes and took the victim through a bypass road with fewer people. It was during this detour that the suspect allegedly touched the woman. The passenger was able to escape and seek help, the police said.

“Siguro nagandahan [siya] doon sa pasahero niya kaya nagawa niyang haplusin ‘yung pasahero, but luckily nakatakbo ang biktima at nakahingi ng tulong,” PLTCPL. Ferdinand Lopez, Officer-in-Charge of the Calasiao Police Station, said.

The suspect was arrested immediately by responding policemen. He denied the allegations.

“Hindi, kung talagang hinawakan ko ‘yun makikita ko ang mukha ko, wala namang totoo [sa sinasabi nila]. Kahit saan kami pumunta, wala akong hinawakan na babae,” the suspect said.

He also denied owning the illegal drugs found in his possession. 

The victim did not give a statement.

Police said it is best to travel with someone to avoid any possibility of being taken advantage of.

“Tiyaking mabuti na may mga kasama, para at least hindi mag-take advantage ang driver,” Lopez said.