City vows tighter transport monitoring; public urged to stay vigilant
COTABATO CITY — A review center instructor’s harrowing late-night tricycle ride has prompted quick response from local authorities, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need for stricter monitoring of public transport around the city’s terminals.
Niño James L. Aceron, an instructor who had just arrived from a long solo trip from Davao City, recounted what he described as one of the most traumatic experiences of his life. Exhausted from multiple connecting travels and burdened with heavy luggage, he boarded a tricycle at the Cotabato City bus terminal late Monday night to reach his apartment—just minutes away.
The driver charged ₱100 for the short trip, which Aceron accepted due to fatigue and the late hour. But five minutes into the ride, he sensed something was wrong.
They began taking unfamiliar turns, and at one point passed through a dark, isolated bridge. Alarmed, Aceron checked his phone’s map. To his shock, the tricycle was heading 10 minutes away from his actual destination—moving in the opposite direction.
With his hands shaking, he confronted the driver: “Kuya, parang hindi ata ito ang ruta.”
The driver repeatedly replied, “Wag kang mag-alala, hindi ako masamang tao,” but the vehicle continued veering farther off-course, eventually registering 13 minutes away from where he was supposed to be dropped off.
Fearing for his safety, Aceron raised his voice and demanded to be let down. The driver eventually released him near a more populated area, though not at his exact destination. Disoriented, trembling, and overwhelmed with fear, he went straight to his lodging and could no longer document the tricycle’s plate number.
Aceron immediately filed a police report the following day and requested access to CCTV footage around the terminal to help identify the driver and ensure accountability.
Despite the traumatic ordeal, he clarified that his experience was not meant to discredit Cotabato City. “Bad and opportunistic people can exist anywhere,” he said, expressing his continued appreciation for the warmth and kindness of Cotabateños.
LGU and Security Sector Take Immediate Action
Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao promptly responded to the report and assured Aceron that the city government is taking the matter seriously. The mayor committed to strengthening security measures around the bus terminal and tightening the regulation of tricycles operating in the area.
Local authorities, together with police personnel, are now coordinating to review CCTV footage, validate Aceron’s report, and implement preventive measures to protect commuters. Police officers, including Sir Nul and Sir Art, provided full assistance to the review instructor throughout his reporting process.
Aceron expressed gratitude for the immediate action taken by the mayor and law enforcement, saying their responsiveness gave him reassurance after the frightening incident.
A Strong Reminder for Public Safety
The LGU and security sector remind commuters—students, workers, instructors, and travelers alike—to observe essential precautions, especially when traveling at night:
- Use registered or accredited public transport vehicles.
- Verify your route through GPS or navigation apps.
- Share your live location with a trusted friend or colleague.
- Avoid late-night solo travel when possible.
- Immediately report suspicious behavior or unusual routes.
Authorities emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace and safety in the city, assuring residents and visitors that measures are being reinforced to prevent similar incidents.
“May this experience be a lesson,” Aceron said. “Mag-amping ta permi.”