A 37-year-old tricycle driver was arrested by authorities in Tagum City after he allegedly attempted to assault and choke a female college student passenger along Pioneer Avenue in Barangay Mankilam on Wednesday night, May 20, 2026.
According to a report from the Tagum City Police Station, the suspect, identified only by his alias “Jastin,” initially managed to flee after the incident but was later captured during a follow-up operation conducted by police with the assistance of barangay officials and the owner of the tricycle he was driving.
The victim, identified by the alias “Jaz,” 19 years old and a college student, survived the ordeal after bravely jumping out of the moving tricycle and immediately calling for help from nearby residents, preventing what authorities said could have escalated into a more serious crime.
Initial investigation revealed that the incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. while the victim was riding the tricycle along Pioneer Avenue. Based on the account given by the victim to investigators, the driver suddenly stopped the vehicle before transferring himself to the passenger seat and allegedly attacking the young woman.
In an interview with local media, Edgardo Bahan, officer-in-charge of the Tagum City Police Station, said the suspect allegedly choked the victim, causing her to scream for help.
The victim reportedly struggled to escape and eventually leaped from the running tricycle. Witnesses said the driver allegedly attempted to pull her back into the vehicle, but her cries for help alerted nearby residents who immediately responded and chased the suspect.
The driver fled the scene and abandoned the tricycle near the bypass road. Authorities later recovered the vehicle after tracing its registered operator, which led investigators to the identity and eventual arrest of the suspect.
The victim immediately sought assistance from the police after the incident but later declined to give further public statements.
During police interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted attacking the passenger but claimed he “lost control” of himself due to personal problems. He cited marital and financial issues, including concerns about his wife who was allegedly stranded in Manila while preparing to work abroad, as well as the burden of taking care of their young children.
The suspect also publicly apologized to the victim and expressed remorse over his actions.
He is currently detained at the Tagum City Police Station while authorities continue their investigation and prepare the filing of appropriate criminal charges. Police initially said the suspect is facing a physical injury complaint, although further charges may be considered depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.