A 22-YEAR-OLD second-year college student who worked as a part-time motorcycle taxi (habal-habal) driver was arrested by Mambaling police after being accused by a 21-year-old female passenger, a therapist, of robbery and rape at the South Road Properties (SRP) around 3 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025.
The suspect was identified as Jeff Nathaniel Manto, 22, a resident of Burgos Street, Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City.
According to the victim, alias "Fe," she and a companion from Barangay Tangke, Talisay City, booked a ride through a ride-hailing app at 3 a.m. to go home from F. Cabahug Street, Barangay Kasambagan. However, after a long wait, she decided to cancel the booking.
Shortly after, a motorcycle taxi stopped in front of her and offered her a ride. Before getting on, she took a photo of the motorcycle.
While they were on their way, the driver stopped near a bridge in South Road Properties, Mambaling, claiming he needed to urinate. When the victim agreed to stop, the suspect suddenly declared a robbery, threatening her with a screwdriver and warning her not to resist or he would kill her.
The suspect successfully took her cellphone worth P20,000 and cash amounting to P2,500. However, he was not satisfied with just robbing her -- he brought her to a dark area, forced her to perform oral sex, and then raped her.
After committing the crime, the suspect quickly fled, leaving the victim in the area. She sought help from passing motorists and went to the Mambaling police station to report the incident.
At the police station, the victim described the suspect and provided the details of the motorcycle, including its plate number.
By 6 a.m., the police conducted a follow-up operation and traced the motorcycle’s GPS, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Authorities recovered the victim’s cellphone, the screwdriver used in the crime, and the suspect’s motorcycle. However, the stolen money was not recovered.
The suspect admitted to the crime, claiming he did it to pay for his tuition.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy city director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, said the quick report from the victim helped in the immediate arrest of the suspect.
The police urged the public, especially women using ride-hailing apps, to take precautions by identifying and photographing the vehicle they are riding.
Macatangay clarified that while the incident is concerning, it should not cause alarm but should serve as a reminder for everyone, especially commuters, to remain vigilant and cautious when using public transportation.
The Mambaling Police Station has prepared charges of robbery with rape against the suspect, which will be filed in court. (AYB)
