UV express, TNVS drivers arrest scammer

A man was arrested through “citizen’s arrest” after he allegedly cheated and took money from a group of UV express and TNVS drivers and operators in Quezon City. The suspect’s defense, he was also just a victim of the “real” scammer.

In a report by Darlene Cay on GMA News TV “Balitanghali” on Thursday, it was said that the suspect Rowell Oliva offered a group of drivers and operators to become a shuttle service of large companies.

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Oliva allegedly promised them P90,000 to P120,000 in income in exchange for membership fees and fees to handle various permits.

One of the victims, Jack Austria, paid P60,000 along with 27 of his fellow drivers.

But Oliva’s offer was not fulfilled, and no trip took place.

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He also said that this is not the first time the suspect scammed people.

“2018 siya ang nag-offer po sa akin na maglakad ng prangkisa para sa UV express. Hanggang 2019 po, fully paid ko ‘yung P80,000. Tapos hindi ko na po na-contact, kahit sa messenger nag-reply pero binlock niya na po ako,” said another victim Sherwin Himantog.

Oliva allegedly received up to P1 million from the victims.

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Man arrested for scamming UV express, TNVS drivers

That’s why Oliva’s 50 victims came together to “arrest” him.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Melchor Rosales, Station Commander of Fairview Police, said that it was a coincidence that there were police in the area. They responded to the citizen’s arrest by the operators.

“Nadawit lang ako sa tao na lumapit sa akin na nagpahanap ng mga unit sa shuttle, ako ang pinapa-front… So ‘yung koleksyon ako ang nakatanggap, binigay ko sa kanila, hindi na naibalik sa akin ngayon. Ako ang kawawa ngayon kasi ginawa akong sangkalan,” Olivia said.

Oliva pointed to an alias “Marian” and “Mike” who allegedly scammed him, but he did not show their photos that would prove that the alleged scammers were real people.

“Wala akong balak takbuhan, hindi ako lumalayas dito sa Maynila. Ang plano ko sa kanila ako na lang ang mag-shoulder, mababayaran ko po silang lahat,” said Olivia.

However, the drivers and operators are determined to sue Oliva.