The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced on Tuesday, Aug. 16, that the police officer who owns the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run incident in the city that killed a tricycle driver, has been relieved from his post.
Police said the incident happened at around 5 a.m. on Aug. 6. A black Ford Ranger pick-up truck owned by Lt. Col. Julio Abong, QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) chief, figured in an accident with a tricycle at the corner of Anonas and Pajo Streets, in Barangay Quirino 2A killing Joel Laroa, 53, a resident of Krus Na Ligas, Quezon City.
The victim's passenger, Rozelle Morales, 27, from Antipolo City, also sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
The QCPD said Abong denied responsibility for the incident and claimed that his vehicle was being driven by one Ronald Centino who is responsible for the pick-up truck's maintenance.
Abong said Centino, who remains at large, drove the vehicle without his consent.
"Nonetheless, QCPD is continuously conducting in-depth investigation on the incident and had filed a case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injury, and damage to property against Centino and P/Lt. Col. Abong," the QCPD said in a statement on Tuesday.
"P/Lt. Col. Abong was also relieved from his post and was reassigned to District Personnel Holding and Accounting Section (DPHAS) while the investigation is still ongoing. Meanwhile, P/Maj. Sheryl Bautista is designated as the Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU)," it added.
The QCPD also assured the public that additional administrative charges shall be filed against Abong once his criminal liability and negligence are proven.
“Sa ngayon ay nasampahan na ng kaukulang kaso ang mga taong responsible sa pangyayari. Sisiguraduhin natin na ang ating awtoridad ay hindi kailanman magiging instrumento ng anumang uri ng pang-aabuso (The people responsible for the incident have been charged. We will ensure that our police authorities will never be an instrument of any kind of abuse)," QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III said.
"Kung mapapatunayan na may pagkakasala ang ating opisyal na sangkot sa insidente, kailangan niyang harapin ang akusasyon laban sa kanya at ang karampatang parusa para rito (If the official involved in the incident is found guilty, he will have to face the charges and the appropriate punishment for them),” he added.