Ex-kagawad, 2 others nabbed for fatal hit-and-run

MANILA, Philippines - A truck driver, who is a former councilman, and two helpers were arrested in Valenzuela City yesterday for hitting a nurse and leaving her to die last May 20.

Rey Quitoriano, a former kagawad of Barangay Palanas, was apprehended along with Justine Guirando and Raymond Lucas at their workplace in Barangay Maysan three weeks after the death of Rizalyn Abalos.

Abalos was riding her motorcycle along McArthur Highway when a truck struck her before 3 p.m. on May 20, according to Valenzuela police chief Senior Superintendent Rhoderick Armamento.

Armamento said Quitoriano and the helpers pulled over but joined the crowd milling on the sidewalk after his six-wheeler truck (XFG-720) hit the nurse.

“When they noticed that they could get away, the driver and his helpers sped off, leaving the victim dying on the street,” he said.

Armamento said the police who responded to the scene failed to get the name of the suspects and the plate number of the truck and were subsequently charged with dereliction of duty.

However, operatives of the Motorized Tactical Riders headed by Police Inspector Milan Naz gathered closed-circuit television footage of the incident.

“The truck was being used as a delivery van for plywood so we began asking the hardware stores in the area,” Armamento said, adding that the suspects never told their employer about the incident.

The suspects face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian lauded the police for the arrest.