Grab driver found dead in Rizal condo
MANILA, Philippines — A driver of ride-hailing service Grab who had been missing since last week was found dead at a condominium in Cainta, Rizal, according to police.
In a report from Rizal Provincial Police Office on Wednesday, the body of Maria Cristina Berlanga Palanca, 33, was discovered inside a condominium unit in Barangay San Andres in Cainta, Rizal on Sunday.
Police identified the victim through the confirmation of Palanca’s sister, Shirley Palanca Santos.
According to Santos, Palanca disappeared after she received a booking from a Grab passenger which had a route from Antipolo to Mandaluyong City on May 23.
Palanca’s Grab car, a black Toyota Avanza with plate number DAE 3053, also went missing.
The victim’s cadaver was brought to Heaven’s Gate Memorial Chapel in Antipolo City.
Police also discovered that a certain Paolo Largado, the owner of the unit, was seen leaving the condominium using Palanca’s car.
Law enforcers have launched a manhunt operation against primary suspect Largado.
Palanca’s vehicle was retrieved after two informants surrendered the car to police in Lucena City on Tuesday.
READ: Car of slain Grab driver recovered in Lucena
Meanwhile, Grab Philippines has expressed sympathy to Palanca’s family and said they will coordinate with authorities to help in tracking down the suspect.
“Nakiki-isa ang buong Grab sa kanyang pamilya sa pagluluksa. Nobody deserves what happened to her, but know this: WE WILL BRING THE PERPETRATOR TO JUSTICE,” Grab said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Sa ngayon, nakita namin na hindi naka Grab-On si Tina noong oras ng insidente, but we are closely working with the authorities to identify the perpetrator,” it added.
Grab also asked the public to respect the privacy of Palanca’s family as any “rash action” might affect the investigation of the incident.
“Nakikiusap din kami mga Ka-Grab na igalang natin ang privacy ng pamilyang naiwan ni Tina. Please do not take any rash actions as it may affect the investigation,” the statement read. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)
