KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — Four passengers were left waiting late at night at a transport terminal in Kidapawan City after the driver and conductor of a Striker UV Express commuter van allegedly left them behind on October 14, 2026, prompting public criticism after one of the passengers shared their experience on social media.
The incident occurred past 10 p.m. while the passengers were traveling from Davao City to Midsayap, Cotabato. According to one of the passengers, identified as Donna, they boarded the van at around 4 p.m. and were later dropped off at the Kidapawan City terminal, where they were allegedly promised that the vehicle would return for them.
However, the passengers said they waited for more than an hour without the van returning, leaving them uncertain about how to continue their journey.
The situation was particularly distressing because most of the four passengers were women. With the night growing late and concerns about their safety mounting, they eventually decided to walk toward an overpass and wait for another available public transportation service.
They eventually boarded a bus bound for Cotabato City, allowing them to continue their trip to Midsayap. Despite finding alternative transportation, the unexpected delay and the experience of being left behind at night caused them considerable fear, anxiety and inconvenience.
Donna reportedly arrived in Midsayap, North Cotabato, at around 1 a.m. on October 15—several hours after their journey had begun in Davao City.
Although the passengers experienced uncertainty and anxiety while trying to find another ride, they expressed relief and gratitude that they reached their destination safely and that no untoward incident occurred.
Complaint Goes Viral; Van Operator Takes Action
Donna’s account, which she posted on social media, drew various reactions from the public before reaching the owner of the commuter van bearing plate number 124005.
The vehicle’s owner reportedly said they were unaware of the alleged actions of the driver. Following the circulation of the complaint online, the owner decided to terminate the driver’s employment.
The available account did not specify whether separate disciplinary action was taken against the conductor or whether a formal investigation had been conducted to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Passengers Call for Greater Responsibility in Public Transport
The incident has renewed concerns about the responsibility of public transportation drivers, conductors and operators to ensure that passengers are treated properly and can complete their journeys safely.
The passengers appealed to public transport personnel to exercise greater accountability, consideration and concern for the people who depend on their services, particularly when travel extends late into the night.
They also stressed the importance of clear communication whenever passengers are transferred between vehicles or asked to wait at a terminal. Passengers should not be left uncertain about their transportation arrangements, especially when alternative rides are difficult to find and personal safety may be a concern.
While the reported dismissal of the driver represents an immediate response by the van’s owner, the incident underscores the broader need for transport operators to establish clear procedures for passenger transfers, waiting arrangements and complaints.
For the four passengers, the journey from Davao City to Midsayap became a distressing experience that extended well beyond their expected travel time. Their safe arrival was a relief, but their account serves as a reminder that public transportation services carry a responsibility that goes beyond getting vehicles from one destination to another: passengers must also be treated with care, respect and consideration throughout their journey.