Cops pressure forces SUV driver in viral SLEX hit-and-run case to surrender
photo: PNP
Police pressure forced a 21-year old man to surrender over the viral hit-and-run incident along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) involving a member of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG).
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), cited the role played by digital intelligence and online monitoring in the operation to identify and track down the driver of the sports utility vehicle (SUV).
“We are satisfied with the swift actions taken by our investigators and the Highway Patrol Group. The prompt identification of the vehicle and the subsequent surrender of the suspect demonstrate our commitment to ensuring accountability and delivering justice, especially in cases involving attacks on law enforcement personnel,” Nartatez said.
The suspect surrendered at his family residence in Barangay Nangka, Marikina City on Tuesday, June 9.
PNP-HPG director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan said the driver will be facing criminal charges, including abandonment of one's own victim, reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries and damage to property.
He said the HPG will recommend to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to revoke his drivers license due to the incident.
Police launched follow-up operations after the hit-and-run to identify the driver and recover the vehicle involved, a Jetour SUV with plate number NHJ 3846. The breakthrough came after authorities monitored a social media post advertising the same vehicle for sale.
The SUV was later traced to a subdivision in Barangay Cupang, Antipolo City where it was allegedly undergoing repainting to conceal damage sustained during the incident.“This case underscores the growing importance of digital intelligence and online monitoring in modern policing. Information available on social media can provide valuable leads that help investigators locate suspects, trace vehicles, and gather evidence, always within the bounds of the law and due process,” Nartatez said.
The discovery of the vehicle led authorities to the residence of the suspect in Marikina. HPG personnel subsequently coordinated with the family and convinced the parents to cooperate with authorities, which resulted in the voluntary surrender of their son.
Nartatez instructed investigators to ensure the proper and airtight filing of criminal charges against the suspect to guarantee accountability under the law.
The vehicle has been impounded at HPG headquarters as part of the ongoing investigation. The HPG has coordinated with the Land Transportation Office for the possible revocation of the suspect’s driver's license.