A 21-year-old waiter was arrested after allegedly assaulting a taxi driver who refused to pick him up near Mabuhay Tower in IT Park, Barangay Apas, Cebu City, early Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Suspect and Victim Identified
The suspect, identified only as “Robi,” a resident of Jansen Site, Barangay Basak San Nicolas, was reportedly drunk at the time of the incident. The victim, “Dario,” 56, lives in Sityo Sto. Niño, Barangay Lahug.
Incident Details
According to the initial investigation by the Mabolo Police Station, Dario was driving towards Salinas Drive when Robi and his companion flagged him down. However, the driver politely declined, as he already had a reserved passenger.
This angered the suspect, who forcefully hit the taxi’s hood. When Dario got out to check the damage, Robi suddenly kicked him in the stomach and punched him in the face multiple times.
Security marshals at the scene quickly subdued the suspect and turned him over to responding police officers from Mabolo.
Suspect’s Defense
When questioned, Robi claimed he thought the driver was “provoking” or challenging him when the driver waved his hand to signal that he could not take passengers. The suspect admitted that he was carried away by his drunkenness and his eagerness to go home.
Despite apologizing for his actions, the victim remained determined to file charges of slight physical injuries against the suspect.
