Ride-hailing service JoyRide is currently in the midst of controversy following a complaint from a female passenger who reported experiencing harassment by one of its drivers.

The incident came to light when Instagram user @vvvne._ shared her distressing encounter online, recounting how she was allegedly touched inappropriately by a driver named Glenn Llaneta while onboard his Toyota Avanza on her way home.

The seriousness of the situation was further amplified when the same story was posted on Twitter by user @vilIacortamika, who seemingly aimed to warn “women of all ages” about potential risks. Unfortunately, the Instagram post from the victim and the related Twitter post, including screenshots of the former’s Instagram story, have since been deleted.

Despite the posts being removed, The Daily Netizen managed to retrieve an archived screenshot of the victim’s Instagram story, which provided detailed insights into the incident.

In her account, the alleged victim described her discomfort and fear, explaining that the driver initially appeared helpful by lending her scissors to open her corndog. However, the situation quickly took a distressing turn when the driver allegedly asked to connect her phone to the car’s Bluetooth system for music. After touching her hand, the driver allegedly kissed her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and afraid, especially given that there were scissors in the car.

In addition to the alleged harassment, the victim mentioned that the driver invited her for a drink or dinner, but she opted for coffee instead, fearing for her safety.

The ordeal culminated in a chilling situation when the driver purportedly insisted on stopping in a secluded location, where he continued to make advances, prompting the victim to feel helpless and scared.

The public’s response has been one of concern and empathy, with netizens expressing solidarity with the alleged victim. Some individuals have questioned the victim’s age, with speculation suggesting that she might be a teenager.

Some netizens who seem to be familiar with the issue claim that the alleged victim is not a girl or a woman but a man, and that the driver is now attempting to locate the former for the filing of cyber libel.

Meanwhile, The Daily Netizen attempted to reach out to both the driver and JoyRide on Facebook for their side of the story, but as of now, no official statements have been received.

As the news circulated, the incident drew attention to the importance of ensuring passenger safety in ride-hailing services.

Responsible journalism has also come into focus, with some netizens criticizing the approach taken by biz and gossip online news site Bilyonaro.

They argued that the site published the driver’s name and photo without first seeking his perspective, raising concerns about potential repercussions for the accused driver in the absence of a fair investigation.

As developments continue to unfold, the allegations against JoyRide’s driver, if true, serve as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive safety measures within the ride-hailing industry. However, since the supposed victim has deleted her online post and the media cannot verify the veracity of her complaint, we urge netizens to remain critical and consider both sides of the story before making judgments.

The incident also raises awareness about responsible reporting, emphasizing the importance of allowing all parties involved to present their accounts to achieve a fair and just resolution. The impact of this incident on passenger safety and the handling of harassment allegations will undoubtedly be closely monitored by both the public and relevant authorities.

Responses to the deleted Twitter posts: