QCPD official in hit-and-run charged

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges were filed yesterday against a police official who is the registered owner of a black Ford Ranger pickup truck, which killed a tricycle driver in a hit-and-run accident in Quezon City.

Based on documents obtained by The STAR, the family of Joel Laroa lodged a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property against Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong, chief of the Quezon City police criminal investigation and detection unit.

Also charged before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office was Ronald Centino, whom Abong claimed was the one driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Laroa’s passenger, Rozelle Morales, was hurt after Abong’s vehicle hit the tricycle.