The security guard who was run over by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Mandaluyong City on June 5, urged the vehicle's owner to face the charges filed against him and coordinate with the authorities.
In an interview with dzBB Wednesday, June 15, Christian Joseph Floralde said that although he was discharged from the hospital, he is still experiencing difficulty in breathing.
He said he has to undergo follow-up checkups as his ribs and lungs have been compressed and had internal bleeding due to the incident.
According to him, his security agency is the one paying for his hospitalization and his family's daily expenses.
Floralde added that Jose San Vicente, the owner and driver of the SUV, has not reached out to him or his agency.
"Sana naman ho eh harapin n’ya ang mga kasong sinampa sa kanya tsaka sana lumutang na din siya (I hope that he face the charges filed against him)," the 31-year-old security guard said.
Asked if he or his family was bothered due to the "slow" progress and apprehension of San Vicente, Floralde said he still has trust in the authorities and that justice will be served for him.
On June 13, Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. warned San Vicente that he will face "dire consequences" if he continues to refuse to surrender.
“I’m warning you Mr. San Vicente, kung marunong kang umintindi sa sinasabi ko, sana huwag umabot sa puntong maging Santo Vicente ka (if you understand what I’m saying, I hope it won’t reach to the point where you will become Saint Vicente),” Danao said.
Danao also revealed that San Vicente had a previous record for reckless driving at the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
San Vicente's lawyers reportedly said that it was Jose Antonio who was driving the vehicle when the incident happened and the suspect opted not to reveal himself for fear of “public humiliation.”
On June 6, the Mandaluyong City Police led by Col. Gauvin Mel Unos filed charges of frustrated murder and abandonment of one's victim against San Vicente before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor's Office.