A utility driver was killed by a trailer truck driver following a road rage and race along Radial Road 10 in Tondo, Manila on Thursday, Oct. 12.
The Manila Police District-Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit (MPD-MDTEU) identified the victim as Benjamin Bagtas, a resident of Tondo, Manila. The suspect was identified as Marlon Ilas, a resident of Mallig, Isabela.
Based on the police investigation, the aluminum van that the victim was driving and the suspect's trailer truck were both heading southbound along Mel Lopez Boulevard in Tondo around 12:30 p.m.
Based on the narration of a witness, the victim and the suspect engaged in a road rage and race from C-3 Navotas to Tondo.
Police said that upon reaching Mel Lopez Boulevard near the Smokey Mountain Police Community Precinct (PCP), the victim alighted from his vehicle to confront the truck driver.
The suspect, however, did not get out of his truck. Instead, police said, he intentionally turned the truck to the right, which caused the victim to be stuck between the aluminum van and the trailer truck.
The truck continued to move forward, dragging the victim on the ground, seriously injuring him.
The victim was immediately brought to Tondo Medical Hospital but was pronounced dead at 7:57 p.m.
The suspect is now detained at the integrated jail of MPD after undergoing inquest proceedings for murder charges at 3 p.m. in Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday, Oct. 13, police said.
Police added that they are just waiting for the commitment order coming from the court to move the suspect to Manila City Jail.