LTO help sought on hit-and-run incident

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities have sought the help of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to identify the owner of the vehicle who escaped after hitting a motorcycle on B. Rodriguez Street last Tuesday night.

Jahn Wenie Perez, the victim, sought police assistance, particularly from the Abellana Police Station, after his motorcycle was allegedly hit by a Sedan vehicle, which resulted in him hitting another four-wheel vehicle in front due to the impact from the rear.

Based on the video that went viral, the owner of the black Sedan vehicle was seen immediately fleeing, driving his car fast after the accident.

Perez said the Sedan vehicle suddenly hit the back portion of his motorcycle while he was waiting for the traffic signal to go green at the intersection of V. Rama and B. Rodriguez Streets around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

The impact led him to fall off his motorcycle. Then, the suspect, who he presumed was slightly drunk, first came out of his vehicle after the incident and told him he would call a traffic enforcer. To his surprise, the man went back to his car and drove away, but he was quick to take note of its vehicle's plate number.

Perez said his motorcycle sustained heavy damage at the back and slight damage in front, while he complained of body pain. But he confirmed he is okay though he said he is still running several medical tests. 

Meanwhile, the other vehicle had minor damage to its bumper. Perez called on the Sedan driver to submit himself to the Abellana Police Station and settle the damage to his and the other vehicle.

For his part, Police Major Nolan Tagsip, chief of Abellana Police Station, said after assisting the victim, they forwarded his case to Cebu City Police Station 9 or the Guadalupe Police Station for further investigation considering the latter has jurisdiction over the area.

A personnel from Police Station 9 said they had not yet received information about the case, but assured Perez of their help. —Romeo D. Marantal (FREEMAN)