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The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Sunday condemned the recent hit-and-run incident where a sport utility vehicle sped away after crashing into a Highway Patrol Group motorcycle policeman along the South Luzon Expressway on Saturday morning.
“We strongly condemn the reported hit-and-run incident involving a PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) rider and an unidentified SUV along the South Luzon Expressway. Video footage circulating online appears to show the SUV striking the police rider before continuing to drive away without stopping, an alarming act that endangered not only a law enforcement officer performing his duty, but also the safety of other motorists on the road,” NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said in a statement.
Dashcam video provided by the PNP-HPG showed the motorcycle-riding cop traveling on the leftmost lane of the highway before it was struck by a speeding and swerving white SUV that came from the right side of the road. The cop lost control of the motorcycle that tumbled several times. The police officer was able to stand after his fall and was able direct incoming traffic away from the accident scene.
The footage also showed the SUV driver fleeing from the accident.
The PNP-HPG said the cop was injured in the crash.
The commission added it expects the PNP-HPG to “move swiftly in identifying the driver and pursuing all appropriate charges.”
It said that all CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, witness accounts, and all available evidence must be fully utilized to ensure accountability and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Reckless imprudence does not require intent. It is enough that there was a failure to exercise due diligence and proper care in driving. Dapat managot ang may gawa sa buong bigat ng batas. Walang lusot. Walang espesyal na pagtrato. Walang sinuman ang may karapatang gumamit ng bilis, galit, o kapabayaan para takasan ang pananagutan o ilagay sa panganib ang buhay ng iba,” NAPOLCOM said.
(Whoever is responsible for this will face the full extent of the law. No loopholes. No special treatment. No one has the right to use speed, anger or recklessness to escape responsibility or place the lives of others in danger.)
LTO: SUV driver has no right to drive
In an interview with GMA News, the chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said the agency will issue a show case order for the SUV driver.
“Kasi itong driver na ito ‘yung hindi dapat nagmamaneho. Wala siyang ibang dapat ikatwiran dito. Kita natin talagang over-speeding na tapos on purpose pa niyang binangga yung HPG,” Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said.
(This is the kind of driver who should not be driving. There are no alibis for this. We clearly saw there was overspeeding and the crashing into the HPG was on purpose.)
“’Pag matrace namin ‘yan, automatic yan, i-issue namin ng show case order. Pag na-issue-han ka ng show case order, automatic yan, naka-alarm yung sasakyan mo. Pag naka-alarm yung sasakyan mo, hindi mo pwedeng i-benta, hindi mo pwedeng i-rehistro, at delikadong ma-impound na yan,” he added.
(Once we trace it is automatic, a show case order will be issued. Once you are issued an SCO an alarm will be issued for your vehicle. Such a vehicle cannot be sold or registered and is in danger of being impounded.)
The SUV driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days during the subsequent hearing and investigation that could lead to a revocation of the said license, the LTO head said.
“‘Yung mga ganitong behavior o yung ganitong pag-uugali sa pagmamaneho, ito yung mga dapat na tinatanggalan ng lisensya pang habang buhay,” Lacanilao said.
(This type of behavior or attitude behind the wheel are reasons why a lifetime ban on driving is a must.) —RF, GMA News
