Death toll in Pasay hit-and-run now 3; van driver, owner no-show at LTO hearing

The death toll in the hit-and-run incident in Pasay City on Christmas Day has increased to three, the police said.

The incident involving a white van happened along Aurora Boulevard in Pasay City on Saturday and has initially killed two women.

One of the fatalities was just supposed to buy ice with her three other companions past 3 a.m. when she was hit by the van.

The other one was dragged by the van for about seven to 10 meters from an overpass, said a barangay official.

The third fatality was a motorcycle rider who was rammed by the same van in another barangay.

According to a Super Radyo dzBB report of Mao dela Cruz on Tuesday, the Pasay City police station has already identified and is looking for the driver who is now a person of interest.

The police have also determined the company where the van belongs to, which was said to be servicing Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) workers.

The authorities have also talked to the company’s lawyer and invited them to give a statement.

They said that they will take necessary actions should the suspect not participate in the investigation.

The white van was found abandoned in Makati City after the incident.

No-show

The Land Transportation Office issued a show-cause order to the registered owner of the van and the driver but they did not attend the meeting set at 10 a.m. Tuesday, GMA's Cedric Castillo said in a report on Super Radyo dzBB.

Through the show cause order, the LTO wanted to hear why they must not suspend or cancel the license of the driver and the car’s registration.

The LTO noted that the order was addressed to a female with a foreign name who was said to be the vehicle’s owner.

According to the LTO Law Enforcement Service’s special investigator, both the driver and owner were also not found in their registered addresses when the show cause order was issued.

The LTO may possibly issue another show cause order to re-invite both of them or release a resolution based on current reports and evidence.

Both were also encouraged by LTO to coordinate with them and file an affidavit within the day.

Currently, the LTO has temporarily suspended the license of the driver for 90 days.

Meanwhile, Pasay City chief Police Colonel Cesar Paday-os said that they would get justice for the victims and would aid their bereaved families.

“‘Wag kang mag-alala, hindi titigil si papa hangga’t hindi makamit ‘yung hustisya. Mahuhuli’t mahuhuli rin ‘yan, walang takas sila ‘nak. Maraming tutulong sa ’tin,” said a tearful Ednil Magtunao, father of one of the victims.

(She should not worry because I will not stop until we get justice. They will get arrested and won’t get away with this. Many people will help us.)

Meanwhile, the other victim was supposed to spend her birthday a day after the accident. Her daughter was also seeking justice for her mother.

“Namatay po siya nang dahil lang do’n. Papasok lang dapat siya sa work tapos biglang… Ang hirap po tanggapin,” said Richelle Delos Reyes.

The driver may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries, and damage to property.—AOL, GMA News