LTFRB Summons Sword-Wielding Cabbie On January 20

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday has summoned a cab driver who alleged thrusted a ‘katana’ (Japanese sword) to a passenger earlier this week.

LTFRB said that the incident, which happened on Wednesday evening, involved driver named Manuel Publico who allegedly injured a passenger with the bladed weapon passenger after having an argument over fare rates.

Publico drives a taxi operated by Sangalang Taxi with plate number TXT 864.

The complainant, who requested anonymity, was luckily able to thwart the driver’s attack. However, he sustained minor wounds.

Aside from the driver, taxi operator Leonaro Sangalang was also asked to appear at the hearing.

So far, the Board has already suspended the operation of unit for 30 days.

It has meanwhile asked the respondent-operator surrender to surrender the taxi plates TXT 864 to LTFRB’s legal division of on Jan. 18, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The respondent-operator was also ordered to show cause in writing within 72 hours as to why their certificate of public convenience (CPC) should not be suspended for violation in terms and conditions of franchise.

If the respondent-operator does not show up, LTFRB will rule out a decision on the basis of its records. (PNA) BNB/ANP