By Aaron Recuenco
The driver of a sports utility vehicle involved in a hit-and-run of a young volunteer doctor for poor communities in Agusan del Norte has surrendered to the police.
Chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz, director of the CARAGA regional police, said it was both the haunting of the conscience and the pressure brought by the police that prompted Charlie Cayetano Prior to surrender six days after accident.
(PRO 13 PIO / MANILA BULLETIN)
While Prior has already apologized for the accident and decision to speed off instead of helping victim Zuriel Arambulo, the case will still be pursued against him.
Arambulo did not reach the hospital alive due to fatal injuries.
“Hair strands were recovered by Scene of the Crime Operatives from the vehicle and will be subjected for DNA testing, while the vehicle is under the custody for further scientific examination,” said Cruz.
Arambulo was on her way to her rented home in Santiago town of Agusan del Norte and was crossing the street in Barangay Poblacion on Feb. 7 when she was hit by a vehicle.
But instead of helping, the driver of the vehicle sped off and went into hiding. The victim was taken instead by local residents.
Arambulo was declared dead on arrival at the Cabdbaran District Hospital due to the serious injuries she suffered.
Cruz earlier offered P50,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of the driver.
Six days later, Prior surfaced to the police with the vehicle.
Prior is reportedly a pastor and served as a spiritual adviser to a politician in Butuan City. He is now detained and facing criminal charges.