At around 6:40pm on Wed, Jan 13, Bayani Arradaza and his 10-year-old son boarded a taxi driven by Manuel Publico. They were picked up at UP Bliss in Diliman, Quezon City and wanted to be taken to Project 4, which is also in Quezon City.
“According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) report, Arradaza noticed they were plying the route going to Cubao instead, prompting him to confront Publico,” reports CNN Philippines.
the suspect identified as Manuel Publico tried to hit complainant Bayani Arradaza with a katana, after a heated argument. Luckily, Arradaza evaded the attack.
The report noted: “Arradaza and Publico got into an argument. Irked, Publico stopped the cab and asked his passengers to alight along Columbia Street. He then reached for the sword and tried to hit Arradaza.”
Arradaza allegedly “managed to take the weapon from Publicohis attacker’s hand but fearing for his son’s life, he threw it away to escape with his son.” Publico again got hold of the weapon, but but passers-by and motorists intervened.
The QCPD said it will file a case against the taxi driver for attempted homicide. It also advised the passenger to file a formal complaint before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The report pointed out that “Publico’s cab was originally operated by Sangalang Taxi but was already sold and transferred to another operator.”
