PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte — The heartbreaking story of a tricycle driver working almost around the clock to fund his wife’s cancer treatment has touched thousands online, but the compassion surrounding the family was later marred by an alleged scam that victimized a netizen who was helping raise donations for them.
The unnamed tricycle driver gained public attention after photos of his tricycle carrying the message, “Ride for a cause: Help my wife fight stage 4B rare cancer, any amount will help,” circulated on social media.
According to posts shared online, the driver spends long hours ferrying passengers in Panabo City to raise at least P5,000 daily for his wife’s radiation therapy.
The driver was reportedly stationed daily at the Panabo Bus Terminal, beginning his trips at around 9:00 a.m. and continuing until 1:00 a.m. just to meet the costly hospital expenses.
His story moved many netizens, including Facebook user Don Derecho Relatado, who actively appealed online for the public to support the driver by riding his tricycle or sending financial assistance.
In one of his posts, Relatado encouraged residents needing transportation, especially during heavy rains, to contact the driver and help contribute to the family’s medical needs.
“Ang inyong pagsakay dako na kaayo’g tabang sa asawa sa drayber nga naga-radiation therapy karon sa hospital,” part of the appeal read.
However, Relatado later revealed that he himself became a victim of an alleged scam involving the donated funds intended for the cancer-stricken wife.
In an emotional Facebook post, Relatado narrated that he received a call from a person pretending to be a well-known vlogger from Davao de Oro who allegedly promised to donate P45,000 to help the family.
Believing the offer was legitimate, especially since the caller reportedly sounded exactly like the vlogger he claimed to be, Relatado followed the instructions given over the phone.
The suspect allegedly instructed him to scan QR codes and approve transactions on GCash, supposedly to receive the donation. Instead, the transactions transferred money out of his account.
Relatado said the scammer managed to withdraw a total of P19,000 — funds reportedly collected from various donors who wanted to help the tricycle driver’s wife continue her radiation therapy.
“Abi namo kami masudlan og cash, kami man diay ang makawatan,” Relatado lamented in his post.
He also apologized to donors, saying they had trusted the caller because they believed the promised assistance was genuine.
“Pasayloa ko ninyo mga guys nga naghatag og tabang. Nahurot jud ang 19K nga nalikom unta para sa radiation therapy sa asawa sa drayber,” he wrote.
The incident sparked anger and sympathy online, with many netizens condemning scammers who prey on people trying to help families facing serious illness and financial hardship.
Others also reminded the public to remain cautious when dealing with online transactions and digital wallet instructions, especially involving unsolicited calls and QR code payments.
Despite the setback, support for the tricycle driver and his wife continues to pour in from concerned citizens moved by their difficult situation.
As of writing, there has been no confirmation whether authorities have formally identified the suspect or if a police complaint has already been filed regarding the alleged scam.