NBI-7 steps in, probes fatal Banilad hit-and-run

Local

THE National Bureau of Investigation-Central Visayas (NBI-7) has stepped in to conduct an investigation in the fatal hit-and-run in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

The NBI-7 already had an initial discussion with the lawyer of the family of Kingston Ralph Cheng, the young businessman who died in the Feb. 8 road crash.

“We had a very productive discussion yesterday (Feb. 26) with the legal counsel of Kingston Cheng,” Agent Maria Contessa Lastimoso, spokesperson of the NBI-7, told MyTV Cebu.

The meeting came after the Cheng family formally sought the help of the NBI-7.

Lastimoso said the NBI-7 is ready to help in the investigation.

“We are appreciative of the fact that they want to collaborate with us, because really our goal is the same. So currently, we are looking into gathering more pieces of evidence, and we have issued subpoenas to some people who might be potential witnesses, and other than that, we will subpoena some institutions involved also, as we do our case build-up,” said Lastimoso.

The family asked the NBI-7 to help determine if the events that happened after the incident adversely affected the full implementation of Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act.

“The family acknowledges the efforts of the NBI in gathering the evidence needed for the filing of a case for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” the statement read.

It can be recalled that Sean Andrew Pajarillo, the driver of the vehicle that hit and killed Cheng, tested negative for alcohol use after the incident.

It took almost 24 hours before Pajarillo was made to undergo a sobriety test. The delay may have affected the result of the test, police said.

Pajarillo was charged only for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and has since posted bail.

An individual found driving under the influence of alcohol could be charged for violation of RA 10586, which carries stiffer penalties.

The test showing Pajarillo negative for alcohol use prevented authorities from charging him for violating RA 10586.(MyTVCebu)