LTO employee nabbed after case of hit-and-run in Rizal

MANILA, Philippines — An employee of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) was arrested after allegedly hitting two women with his car and fleeing the scene in Antipolo City, Rizal.

The 39-year-old suspect struck the victims as they were crossing a pedestrian lane along Sumulong Highway in Barangay Sta. Cruz late Friday night, according to the Rizal Police Provincial Office (RPPO) in a statement on Monday.

Instead of stopping to assist the victims, the RPPO said, the LTO employee drove away from the scene.

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READ: LTO suspends SLEX hit-and-run driver’s license for 90 days

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However, an off-duty police officer witnessed the incident and chased the suspect, intercepting and turning him over to police custody early Saturday morning.

The victims, identified as 28-year-old “Mikee” and 24-year-old “Kristine,” sustained physical injuries and were rushed to the Antipolo City Hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury, and abandonment of one’s own victim.

Meanwhile, RPPO Director Col. Eleazar Barber Jr. condemned the suspect for allegedly abandoning the victims.

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“We do not tolerate any negligence that endangers the lives and safety of our citizens,” Barber said in Filipino.

“The Rizal PPO will ensure a thorough and lawful investigation to give justice to the victims and hold the responsible party accountable,” he added.

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The RPPO also commended the cop who chased the suspect, Police Executive Master Sergeant Andy Evangelista, for his actions despite being off-duty. Andre Esguerra, INQUIRER.net trainee /jpv