LTO summons SUV driver in SLEX hit-and-run for abandoning HPG cop, reckless driving

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) who figured in a viral hit-and-run accident along the South Luzon Expressway and allegedly abandoned the victim, a police officer of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG).

In a statement, the LTO said it has issued a show cause order (SCO) against the SUV driver, who may be held accountable for reckless driving and for failing to fulfill the duty of a driver in case of an accident.

This was due to the driver’s alleged abandonment of the HPG police officer after the SUV sideswiped the former’s motorcycle, causing the police officer to fall off his motorcycle.

The LTO cited a viral video of the June 6, 2026 incident which showed that the motorcycle was switching lanes from the overtaking lane while the SUV suddenly sped up and veered left from the third lane, hitting the motorcycle.

The agency noted that the SUV driver did not stop to check on the condition of the injured HPG police officer and just sped away from the scene.

The SCO mandated the SUV’s driver and registered owner to appear at the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on June 15 at 11 a.m.

They should submit a sworn explanation of their actions.

The SUV driver may also face the suspension or revocation of his driver’s license for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

In the meantime, the SUV was placed under an LTO alarm while the SUV driver’s license was placed under preventive suspension for 90 days.

LTO chief and Transportation Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao reminded motorists to be responsible drivers and to always think of the safety of their fellow road users.

“Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang pag-alis sa lugar ng isang aksidente, lalo na kung may nasaktan. Sa mga ganitong sitwasyon, sisiguraduhin ng LTO na maimbestigahan ang insidente at mapanagot ang sinumang mapatutunayang lumabag sa batas,” he said.

(It is unacceptable to leave the scene of an accident, especially if there is someone hurt. In these kinds of situations, the LTO will see to it that the incident is investigated and those who violated the law will be held accountable.)

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Sunday condemned the hit-and-run incident.

Meanwhile, the HPG said the SUV might have used a fake license plate. — JMA, GMA News