TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — A seven-month pregnant woman was robbed of ₱113,000 in cash and valuables after being betrayed and held at knifepoint by the very habal-habal driver she hired in a remote area of Fe Ayala Village, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City on Thursday morning, January 15, 2026.
The victim, identified by police as “Rose,” a resident of Purok Bagani, Barangay Cuambugan, Tagum City, was on her way to the city proper to buy groceries when the horrifying incident unfolded at around 9:00 a.m.
According to the Tagum City Police Station, Rose boarded a habal-habal near her home, expecting a routine trip to the city center. However, during the ride, she noticed that the driver was taking an unfamiliar and isolated route. Alarmed, she warned the driver that they were heading the wrong way, but her concerns were ignored.
Fearing for her safety, Rose attempted to jump off the motorcycle but was unable to do so because she is seven months pregnant.
Upon reaching a secluded area in Fe Ayala Village, the suspect abruptly stopped the motorcycle and declared a hold-up, pointing a bladed weapon at the victim’s abdomen. Left with no choice, Rose surrendered her maroon Coach sling bag containing her wallet, identification cards, driver’s license, two Land Bank ATM cards, PRC ID, grocery cards, and a Realme 12 Pro cellphone valued at around ₱35,000, along with ₱78,000 in cash.
The suspect immediately fled toward Barangay Mankilam proper after taking the items.
Police have launched hot pursuit and dragnet operations and are coordinating with the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office and neighboring police stations to track down the suspect.
Authorities strongly condemned the crime, stressing the cruelty of targeting a pregnant woman and abusing public trust. The Tagum PNP urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid riding with unknown or unregistered drivers, and report suspicious activity immediately.
The victim is now safe but remains deeply shaken by the ordeal.
Investigation is ongoing.