Taxi driver traps 2 robbers inside his cab

BAGUIO CITY – The quick reflexes of a taxi driver here has thwarted the plan of two men to rob him of his earnings May 29.

Police said the culprits are now in jail after the driver put up a fight and trapped the two inside his taxi.

Police investigation disclosed at about 1:35 a.m. that day, Jeffrey M. Botis, 37, was driving along Magsaysay Ave. fronting the public market when he was flagged down by the suspects identified as Jojo M. Gamboa, 19, of Besao, Mountain Province and residing at Barangay Gibraltar here and Ronnie A. Lodia, 36 of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur who asked him to bring them to Gibraltar.

Upon reaching the intersection of Gibraltar and Ambuklao roads, one of the suspects who was seated at the back suddenly grabbed the victim’s head and uttered “Asan yung pera mo, hold- up ito (Where is your money, this is a hold-up).”

He placed a 6-inch knife on the victim’s throat and reportedly tried to cut it several times while the other suspect seated at the driver’s side opened the compartment of the taxi and tried to get his collection amounting to more than P1,000.

Police said Botis however held the hand of the suspect with the knife and was able to reach a screwdriver placed at the front dash board which he used to stab the suspect in the head.

While they were struggling, the vehicle rammed the roadside which made the victim get out of the vehicle.

Botis grabbed the foot of the suspect who was trying to get out from the driver’s side because the passenger side of the vehicle could not be opened.

Fortunately, another taxi driver came and was asked by Botis to call for police assistance.

Personnel of police station 3 immediately responded and were arrested the suspects.