Driver in fatal hit-and-run charged

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has filed complaints for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and abandonment of one’s own victim against the 22-year-old driver who allegedly struck and killed a 42-year-old call center agent in a hit-and-run incident in Cebu City.

Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) Chief Police Col. Jomar Medil said the complaints and supporting documents against Billy Tablason, 22, were submitted to the prosecutor’s office yesterday morning for inquest proceedings.

Tablason, a resident of Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, was arrested by TEU personnel in Barangay Luz around 10:41 A.M. on Monday, September 14, after a hot pursuit operation.

He was identified by police as the driver of the Toyota Vios allegedly involved in the fatal collision that killed Ralph John Vir Macalisang Salise early Friday morning, September 11.

Salise was reportedly on his way to work when he was struck while crossing Governor M. Cuenco Avenue in Banilad. Witnesses reportedly identified Tablason as the driver who hit Salise and later left to transfer to another vehicle.

Police also obtained closed-circuit television footage showing Tablason inside the vehicle, as well as witness accounts concerning his movements after the collision.

Another suspect, as Ralph Acol, 22, was earlier arrested for allegedly helping Tablason flee the scene.

Police said Acol was driving the Toyota Raize where Tablason transferred to after hitting Salise. There was another 17-year-old male in the Raize with them as it fled the scene.

The pair allegedly later encountered a green GSM electric taxi that attempted to block their path and rammed the taxi before continuing on.

Acol later returned to the area and was arrested by TEU personnel. He identified Tablason as the driver and provided police with his name during questioning.

Acol may also serve as a witness against Tablason in court, Medil said, although the decision will be up to him.

Police earlier said Acol admitted that he and Tablason had been drinking at an establishment along Governor M. Cuenco Avenue before they decided to race while driving toward Banilad.

However, police did not file a drunk-driving complaint against Tablason.

Medil said police lacked sufficient basis to subject Tablason to an alcohol test after his arrest because the arresting officer did not testify Tablason had been drinking when he was apprehended.

Acol, meanwhile, faces a separate complaint under Republic Act No. 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, after he tested positive in a breathalyzer test.

Four complaints were filed against Acol on Monday, September 14. These include reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property for hitting the taxi, obstruction of justice for allegedly helping Tablason escape, violation of RA 10586, and abandonment of a person in danger.

Medil said Acol allegedly witnessed Salise being struck but still left the area with Tablason.

Meanwhile, the TEU had earlier recommended to the Land Transportation Office-7 the revocation of the driver’s license of both Tablason and Acol.

Police also placed the plate numbers of the two vehicles under alert in connection with the investigation.

Medil said investigators consider the evidence sufficient to support the complaints against both suspects. Tablason is now awaiting inquest proceedings before the prosecutor, while the complaints against both suspects will undergo the appropriate legal process. — (FREEMAN)