TNVS Driver Mauled Over Alleged Overloading Row, Grab PH to Extend Medical-Legal Assistance

A viral video came out Tuesday, September 10, after a Grab driver-partner was assaulted by those who tried to book a Grabcar service for five.

https://www.facebook.com/kcbanesreal/videos/1405485759603880/

Based on the police report forwarded to the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, the Grab driver, identified as Reynaldo Tugade, was about pick up a passenger in Brgy. Del Monte.

After reaching the area, he was surprised when four adults and a child boarded his car. He then tried to explain that the service they took was only for four passengers.

At this juncture, Tugade told the passengers to cancel the booking instead.

The passenger did as told but slammed the door after alighting the vehicle while throwing invectives at the driver. The driver was about to talk to the passengers when he was confronted by one of the suspects, identified as Jan Jervie Mercado, who cursed him and then hurled punches immediately afterward.

To make matters worse, one Rhea Sangil joined in the commotion and threw punches at the driver as well, together with two yet-to-be-identified suspects, and damaged to the vehicle.

Meanwhile, Grab Philippines clarified that only four occupants can take the car.

"Following the safety standards of car manufacturers having a maximum capacity of five passengers for cars including the driver, Grab Cars can only accommodate up to four passengers. Children, regardless of age, shall be counted as one passenger. In case of accidents, the mandated insurance policy of PAMI and Grab's third-party insurer only covers the allowable number of passengers in a car," the transport network company explained in its statement.

"We wish to reiterate to our Grab community to be mindful and respectful of our standard policies, and to observe responsible use of the Grab platform to ensure safety and security to each and every one," Grab PH added.

Further, Grab PH said that it will extend medical support and legal assistance to the injured driver-partner.

"We stand firm in our position against violence and inappropriate behavior--for the welfare of both the driver-partners and passengers," the company noted. "We enjoin everyone to Grab responsibly and report to us any similar incidents via our hotline 02-883-7101."