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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Not exactly K-pop fan but Nartatez seeks tourist protection from taxi scam that victimized Soobin

Not exactly K-pop fan but Nartatez seeks tourist protection from taxi scam that victimized Soobin

Published Apr 6, 2026 03:35 pm
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. (File photo: Office of the Chief, PNP)
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. (File photo: Office of the Chief, PNP)
With the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) having limited manpower to enforce its rules and regulations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) wants to help by tapping its personnel in running after abusive taxi drivers.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. appeared to have been pissed off by a viral video of an attempt of a taxi driver in Cebu to scam Korean pop star Soobin through fare overcharging.
Nartatez wasn’t actually a fan of K-pop but what drew his ire was that the video put the Philippines in bad light, especially amid the government’s efforts to increase foreign tourists arrivals.
“We have issued directives to all ground units to intensify visibility in transport hubs and immediately act on complaints. We have instructed our police personnel to be proactive—not just reactive—against this kind of exploitation,” Nartatez said.
Nartatez said this illegal practice must be addressed as this put the reputation of the Philippines in bad light.
He said both the Aviation Security Group and the Highway Patrol Group were tasked to assist territorial forces, particularly in urban areas, to coordinate with other government agencies like the LTFRB to intensify the efforts.
This includes a stronger police presence in airports and key terminals, and information drive to encourage commuters to report any incident of overcharging.
“To our foreign guests, the PNP is here to protect you. We are working closely with the LTFRB to protect you and assure you that we will not tolerate this kind of abuse,” Nartatez said.
He said reporting channels will be strengthened through hotlines and social media, adding that the PNP will also inform commuters about proper fares and how to report abusive drivers.

Related Tags

LTFRB PNP Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Soobin taxi overcharging
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