LTO issues SCO to Barili driver involved in fatal road crash

Local

A SHOW cause order has been issued by the Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO-7) against the driver of the government-owned vehicle that hit and killed a minor in Barili town, Cebu.

Arthur Carl Trinidad Arboleras, 37, was driving a Mitsubishi Montero, a government-owned vehicle registered under the local government unit of Barili, when the incident happened on a provincial road of Barangay Candugay, Barili on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Police said Arboleras tried to overtake a motorcycle but encroached on the opposite lane, where he hit a bicycle driven by a 10-year-old John Andrew Anteniro Canete.

Canete was declared dead at the Barili Infirmary Medical Center. His backrider, Grae Harrison Nunez Alquizalas, was injured.

The LTO-7 directed the driver to appear in the LTO-7 Operations Division and submit a sworn statement or explanation regarding the incident.

Arborelas was also ordered to surrender his driver's license that has been placed under preventive suspension.

The involved vehicle was also placed under alarm status while the investigation is ongoing.

“LTO 7 strongly condemns acts of reckless and irresponsible driving that endanger the lives and safety of other road users and reiterates its commitment to enforcing traffic laws and calls on all motorists to exercise caution, follow road regulations, and uphold responsible driving at all times” the agency said in a statement.

Barili Mayor Pablo John "John-John" Garcia IV in a separate statement said the driver of the LGU’s vehicle was on official duty delivering a letter to barangay and was heading back to the Municipal Hall when the incident happened.

Garcia said he visited John Andrew's family to extend assistance and facilitated the transfer of Grae to a private hospital in Cebu City.

“To both families, please know that the Municipality of Barili stands with you. We will continue to extend the necessary assistance and support as we pray for healing, strength, and comfort during this painful time” Garcia said.

He also reminded all of its municipal drivers to exercise utmost caution and responsibility while on the road.(MyTVCebu)