PNP uses volunteer taxi drivers to combat colorum taxis and overcharging at airports

The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP Avsegroup) is using volunteer taxi drivers to help identify and apprehend colorum taxis and overcharging drivers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other airports.

Acting Director Brigadier General Jason Capoy said that these volunteers, who are mostly friends or relatives of PNP personnel, report suspicious activities via calls or texts, leading to the recent viral incident where a taxi driver charged P1,600 for a ride within NAIA.

From June 25 to July 1, the group made a total of 46 public utility vehicle apprehensions, including 28 taxis, seven UV Expresses, and 11 'habal-habal' motorcycles, with about 20 to 30 percent of these due to reports from volunteer taxi drivers.

Capoy emphasized that the operation is intelligence-driven rather than random enforcement, involving validation and verification before taking action, and assured passengers of continued efforts against abusive public utility drivers at airports.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has inspected NAIA and asked for clearer signages directing passengers to free inter-terminal shuttles, while instructing NNIC to develop a new airport taxi system to protect both passengers and honest drivers.