Philippine police confirmed that a shocking murder case occurred in the tourist city of Tagaytay. A ride-hailing driver was shot by fake passengers during the trip, and his body was abandoned on the roadside, while the SUV he was driving was discarded in an open area in the town of San Pascual, Batangas Province. The police are currently intensively searching for the whereabouts of the suspect.
The victim was identified as Dexter Roales, who worked as a shuttle service driver. According to the initial investigation by the police, he was suspected of being shot by two criminals disguised as passengers during the ride. His cousin Ruel Roca, who worked shifts with him, is currently missing, and his family is deeply concerned about his safety.
Even more horrifying, a surviving passenger revealed the details of the incident. He stated that he boarded the car in Cavite and dozed off, only to be suddenly awakened by gunshots and saw the gunman aiming at Roales in the driver's seat. The criminals then drove the car to a remote, unlit area and announced a robbery.
The passenger recalled that he and Roca, who was in the passenger seat, kept begging for their lives. The criminals eventually abandoned the two near a shopping mall in Lipa City, Batangas Province, around 3 a.m. He escaped and immediately reported to the police, helping them understand the situation. He also pointed out that a third suspect later got on the car and continued driving, likely the one who abandoned the body on the roadside.
The victim's family revealed that Roales had recently received death threats, hence they suspect that the motive for the case might not be just robbery, but there could be other hidden reasons. The information has been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Currently, the Tagaytay police have set up a special team to retrieve relevant travel records, surveillance videos, and telecommunications data, aiming to clarify the truth and capture the murderer as soon as possible. This case has once again triggered widespread public concern about the safety mechanisms and protective measures for ride-hailing services.
