Man arrested for swindling 50 drivers, operators

MANILA, Philippines — A man who allegedly duped around 50 UV Express operators and drivers of P1 million was arrested in Quezon City on Wednesday night.

Rowell Oliva, 36, was nabbed during an entrapment operation in Barangay Pasong Putik at around 11 p.m.

According to Quezon City Police District Station 6 commander Lt. Col. Melchor Rosales, the victims, already struggling to earn a regular income amid the coronavirus pandemic, carried out a citizen’s arrest of Oliva after a meeting at the barangay hall.

Rosales said the suspect promised the victims that some private companies would hire them as shuttle drivers. It turned out the jobs were non-existent.

Rosales said Oliva swindled the victims of at least P1 million.

Police said criminal charges are being readied against the suspect.