Marilaque stunt survivor’s license revoked

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of the survivor in the Marilaque Highway motorcycle stunt exhibition that left a motovlogger dead.

The LTO said Rico Buyawan is not fit to operate a motor vehicle.

The revocation of Buyawan’s license came after the LTO conducted a thorough investigation of the viral incident that occurred in Tanay, Rizal on Jan. 26.

“The license that the government issues to motorists is a privilege. License holders must observe road safety and be responsible drivers at all times,” LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said. “Let this serve as a lesson to all motorists, especially motorcycle riders. Public roads are not the right place for such activities as these put the lives of others in danger.”

The accident resulted in the death of motovlogger John Louie Arguelles and injuries to six bystanders.

A viral video showed Buyawan and Arguelles performing a stunt before their motorcycles collided, triggering a chain reaction that injured bystanders.

Citing results of the investigation, LTO-Calabarzon chief Elmer Decena said Buyawan was found guilty of reckless driving and allowing an unauthorized person to operate a motor vehicle.

Investigators recommended the revocation of Buyawan’s license in compliance with LTO’s road safety regulations.

The incident prompted the Highway Patrol Group to deploy more HPG personnel along Marilaque Highway.

The HPG warned motorists that racing is prohibited and violators could face criminal charges.

The local government is considering to pass an ordinance banning bystanders along the highway.

Rider nabbed for hitting traffic enforcer

Meanwhile, in Antipolo, a motorcycle rider was arrested after he run over a traffic enforcer in an attempt to escape apprehension for a road safety violation.

Reports said that traffic enforcers pulled over Roger Ymas for driving without a helmet along Marcos Highway in Barangay Inarawan.

Instead of pulling over, Ymas turned around causing him to hit one of the enforcers before his motorcycle crashed onto the pavement.

Mendoza ordered Decena to closely monitor legal proceedings that would be taken against Ymas, who is detained at the Antipolo police jail.