Facial Verification, SOS Button Proposed to Enhance Safety for MC Taxi Riders

Several motorcycle (MC) taxi firms in the Philippines are strongly advocating for the implementation of facial verification for passengers and an SOS button for riders, in response to a surge in crimes targeting MC taxi drivers, including a fatal stabbing incident. Carlo Castro, public affairs officer for Angkas, stated during a meeting organized by 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez that these measures are crucial for ensuring rider safety. "This meeting is related to the increasing number of offenses or crimes committed against our riders, we talked about the measures that we can actively take so that we can avoid these incidents, as we have to protect the welfare not only of passengers but also of our riders as well," Castro said in Filipino. He explained that the facial verification system would require ride-hailing app users to present their photos to confirm identity against the registered user. "What we talked about is first, aside from the driver verification, we will study having facial verification for passengers, so that in the same way that we can trace who the drivers are, we can see who the passengers are who can be subject to bad elements or those with criminal tendencies," he added. The SOS button aims to provide riders with a mechanism to quickly notify their respective companies and possibly law enforcement authorities in case of emergencies. Castro mentioned that they are exploring standardization of safety features like a 24/7 hotline and an SOS button within the app, allowing riders to report emergencies or individuals with ill intentions during their trips. "So within the app, they can press that and there would immediately be a 24/7 emergency response which is connected — whether it’s a medical or a police enforcement issue, directed to the SOS button to allow direct contact with respondents," he said in Filipino. Rep. Gutierrez announced plans to seek the cooperation of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to coordinate these potential changes, aiming to ensure that only valid IDs are used for app registration. The lawmaker acknowledged that data privacy issues need to be considered. However, he believes that the additional requirement of facial verification would not be a "huge thing to ask" and would serve as an "additional verification for our passengers." This push comes in the wake of a recent incident in Caloocan City where an MC taxi rider was fatally stabbed by a passenger. Police reports indicate the suspect fled using the victim's motorcycle. On Thursday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) stated it will work closely with ride-hailing companies following two separate incidents where MC taxi riders were fatally stabbed in Caloocan City and Cavite. "The Philippine National Police recognizes the public’s concern following the recent incidents involving motorcycle taxi riders," the PNP said. "While these cases have been addressed through the arrest of the suspects, we will continue to work closely with motorcycle ride-hailing companies, local government units, and other stakeholders to strengthen measures that help protect riders, passengers, and the public while preventing similar incidents."