LTO suspends license of driver in fatal hit-and-run in Cebu City
THE 21-year-old driver of the vehicle that figured in a fatal hit-and-run in Cebu City is recuperating in a hospital.(Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – The driver’s license of the 21-year-old man who hit and killed a young businessman here has been suspended.
Aside from suspending his license for 90 days, the Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO) also issued a show-cause order to Sean Andrew Pajarillo.
Pajarillo was the driver of the Toyota Innova that figured in a hit-and-run on Paseo Saturnino Road in Barangay Banilad on Sunday, Feb. 8.
Pajarillo first hit a parked sedan but instead of stopping, he sped off. As he was attempting to escape, Pajarillo hit a pedestrian, Kingston Ralph Cheng, a 23-year-old owner of a luxury coffee shop.
Pajarillo still did not stop after hitting Cheng. He was only cornered when he lost control of the car that turned on its side.
The two men were brought to separate hospitals where Cheng was declared dead.
An initial report by the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said Pajarillo failed to present a driver’s license and the car’s registration papers at the time of the apprehension.
But the LTO-7 said that based on their record, Pajarillo possesses a driver’s license.
The LTO-7 said Pajarillo is facing violation of Section 48 (reckless driving) and unfit to possess a driver's license under Republic Act 4136.
A hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 17 at the LTO-7 office here.
LTO 7 officer-in-charge Director Francisco "Franz" Ranches Jr. reminded motorists to exercise utmost caution and responsibility on the road.
"Road safety is everyone's responsibility. We urge all drivers to strictly follow traffic rules, drive defensively, and always remain alert and sober behind the wheel. A moment of recklessness can result in irreversible tragedy," Ranches said.
Based on the sobriety test, Pajarillo was not drunk during the fatal road crash.
“Negative results came out in the findings,” said Police Lt. Col. Jose Los Baños, information officer of CCPO.
Los Baños added reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property will be filed against Pajarillo, who remains under hospital arrest.