Operatives of Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) arrested a 42-year-old public school teacher on Tuesday, June 17, after allegedly fleeing a hit-and-run incident that killed a 63-year-old woman and injured several others in Valenzuela City.
(Photo from Valenzuela City Police)
Police identified the suspect as “Irene,” a public school teacher.
The victim was identified as Luzviminda Libatique, a government employee and a resident of Barangay Bignay.
Based on the police report, the incident happened around 6:30 a.m. along Narciso Street. Libatique and her son were riding a motorcycle toward Paso de Blas when a speeding sports utility vehicle (SUV) overtook and sideswiped them.
The crash caused their motorcycle to lose control and collide with another motorcycle coming from the opposite direction.
All riders were thrown onto the pavement and sustained injuries.
Emergency responders from the Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO) rushed the victims to Valenzuela City Hospital, where Libatique was declared dead on arrival.
The SUV driver fled the scene without helping the victims.
VCPS officer-in-charge Col. Gerson Bisayas launched a follow-up investigation in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Although initial efforts to trace the vehicle owner failed, investigators eventually identified the suspect through her Facebook profile.
She was arrested at 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Bignay, and the SUV was recovered.
The suspect now faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property.
Authorities emphasized that, as a public servant, the teacher had a responsibility to help. Instead, fleeing the scene was a clear act of negligence.
The Valenzuela police extended their condolences to the victim’s family and vowed to pursue justice.