GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — A tricycle driver who went viral on social media after being accused of allegedly harassing a passenger was brought to the Public Safety Office (PSO) on the afternoon of February 21, 2026 for initial investigation, authorities confirmed.
According to local officials, the driver was taken to the PSO following the circulation of a video and social media post uploaded by a passenger who claimed she was subjected to inappropriate behavior during a ride earlier that day. After the preliminary inquiry, the case will be turned over to the Traffic Enforcement Unit for further investigation and proper disposition.
The PSO said that the tricycle unit involved in the incident was identified through closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras connected to the PSO Command and Control Center. The monitoring system, managed by the PSO–City Transport and Traffic Management Division (PSO-CTTMD), allowed authorities to locate the vehicle and facilitate the driver’s appearance for questioning.
The driver reportedly told investigators that after seeing the viral video online, he initially planned to report to the PSO office voluntarily. However, he claimed he was informed that the office was closed because it was a Saturday. Authorities later traced him through surveillance footage.
Passenger’s Account
In a social media post that quickly gained attention online, the passenger narrated that she boarded the tricycle near the area of Mindanao State University and traveled toward the KCC Veranza area along with several other passengers heading to the city proper.
She said that by the time the tricycle reached the vicinity of Cabe area, she was already the last remaining passenger seated in the front seat beside the driver. According to her account, the driver allegedly began asking inappropriate questions, including remarks about her body and requests to touch her.
The passenger said she repeatedly refused the driver’s advances but claimed that the driver allegedly grabbed her chest, prompting her to start recording a video as evidence. She added that the act itself was not clearly captured on video because she began filming after the alleged incident out of fear that it might happen again.
The complainant also stated that she is a transgender woman and expressed concern that other women or passengers could face similar treatment if the incident is not addressed.
In the video circulating online, the passenger can be heard confronting the driver, while the driver is seen smiling despite being aware that he was being recorded.
Identification of the Driver
Information posted online identified the tricycle with plate number 506MVL, bearing the surname marking “B.K. Daud,” and reportedly registered in the Labangal area of General Santos City.
Authorities have not yet confirmed all details released on social media and said these will be verified as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Ongoing
Officials emphasized that the Traffic Enforcement Unit will conduct further investigation to determine possible violations and appropriate actions against the driver, including potential administrative or legal consequences if the allegations are substantiated.
Local authorities also reminded transport operators and drivers to uphold passenger safety and professionalism, stressing that harassment in public transportation is a serious concern that must be addressed promptly.
The PSO encouraged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or experienced similar situations to coordinate with authorities as the investigation continues.