QCPD official relieved from post after fatal hit-and-run incident

The chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has been relieved from his post after his vehicle was involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident, the police said Tuesday.

In a statement, the QCPD said its CIDU chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Julio Abong, denied responsibility for the incident, which killed a tricycle driver and injured a passenger.

Abong said a certain Ronald Centino, who did maintenance of the vehicle, drove the vehicle without his consent when the accident happened, according to the QCPD.

“[Police Lieutenant Colonel] Abong was also relieved from his post and was reassigned to District Personnel Holding and Accounting Section while the investigation is still ongoing,” the QCPD said.

“Meanwhile, [Police Major] Sheryl Bautista is designated as the Officer-in-Charge of CIDU,” it added.

On August 6, a tricycle driver was killed and a passenger was injured in the hit-and-run incident on Anonas street corner Pajo street in Barangay Quirino 2A involving a black vehicle, the QCPD said.

Based on the initial investigation by the District Traffic Enforcement Unit Traffic Sector Unit 3 and verification with the Land Transportation Office,  the vehicle’s owner was Abong.

The QCPD said it filed a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injury, and damage to property against Centino and Abong.

It added it is continuously conducting an in-depth investigation into the incident.

The QCPD said Abong will also face administrative charges if his criminal liability and negligence are proven.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA News