Case vs Sportivo driver elevated to murder

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City Prosecutor's Office on Monday recommended to elevate to murder the charge against the driver who ran over a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer.

Assistant City Prosecutor Corazon Romano recommended the filing of murder charges against Mark Ian Libunao, the driver of the Isuzu Sportivo who ran over MMDA traffic constable Sonny Acosta last December.

Libunao was previously slapped with reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries after Acosta went into a coma after the incident last December 19. 

Initial reports said that Acosta flagged down Libunao for driving through the yellow lane intended for passenger buses in Edsa-Cubao.

Acosta reached in to get Libunao's license but the driver closed the window, trapping the victim’s hand then drove away, dragging Acosta for several meters before running him over with his vehicle.

Four days after being confined at a private hospital, Acosta died from his injuries.