The suspect in the death by hit-and-run of basketball player Jeslar Larumbe in Cebu City was arrested by personnel of the Abellana Police Station.
Aaron Karl Tan, who had driven a sports utility vehicle, allegedly killed Larumbe in a hit-and-run incident in the vicinity of Redemptorist Church, Cebu City on February 4, 2024.
The court issued a warrant of arrest against Tan for murder that is non-bailable.
In an official statement posted on DYSS Super Radyo GMA on May 7, 2024, the Larumbe family said that “today’s arrest of Aaron Karl Tan is a noteworthy milestone in our journey as a family seeking justice for the sudden demise of our beloved Jeslar Uriel Larumbe, loving son, responsible brother, caring grandson, diligent student, dedicated athlete, good friend.
“Jeslar Uriel’s passing, and particularly the way in which it was carried out, was cruel and we maintain that he never deserved to die in such circumstances. Considering how much he still could have enjoyed in this lifetime, shared with his loved ones and contributed to society, he did not at all deserve to die. We continue to grieve and patiently await justice for our beloved Jeslar Uriel.
”Today, we are comforted by the thought that, indeed, the wheels of justice are turning. Even as it is too soon to claim victory, there is yet a long road ahead that we are about to trek, we are grateful for all the members of our community who have helped us pray that this moment would arrive and who shared of themselves, their resources, insights and expertise to help us get to this milestone - the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation Region 7, City of Cebu, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and the Cebu City Council, Bishop Ruben Labajo, the Salesian of Don Bosco, witnesses, the local media, relatives, and numerous friends,""" the statement reads.
As of posting time, the suspect is yet to issue a statement.
HIT-AND-RUN INCIDENT
Larumbe, 23 years old, was hit by an alleged speeding sports utility vehicle, equipped reportedly with blinkers, that ran away immediately. The incident happened near the Redemptorist church in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City at about 7 a.m. on February 4, 2024.
Jeslar was onboard his motorcycle when the incident happened.
Bernadette Larumbe, the mother, is heartbroken at the incident as the perpetrator did not bother check on his son. A gesture of concern right there and then could have made a difference to the condition of her son, she said.
By April, Jeslar would have taken the licensure examination for Civil Engineering. She said her son vowed to pass the exam as his birthday gift to his mom.
Bernadette said her son asked permission to be with his friends right after his class at the review center. But in the morning when she found out Jeslar is not home yet for the scheduled Family Day at Don Bosco Technical College, she called his number. The phone would ring but Jeslar did not take the call.
As there was a scheduled Holy Mass in school for the said family day, Bernadette proceeded to attend the activity. From there, she again called Jeslar.
When she called the number by 9 a.m. on February 4, 2024, a nurse accepted the call and informed her that Jeslar is at the Cebu City Medical Center. She rushed to the hospital and learned of the incident that killed her son.
“Three in the morning, Sunday, nikaon siya after niya og review, kay mag-24 hours review, nikaon siya 3 a.m. Niana siya ‘Mommy, what time ang family day?’ Ingon ko ang Family Day is 9 a.m…mao nay last (conversation) 3 a.m.,” Bernadette said in an interview.
Jeslar is a two-time Most Valuable Player of Greywolves team of Don Bosco Technical College-Cebu.
PROBE THROUGH CCTV FOOTAGE
Police gathered CCTV footage from establishments along the area to identify the perpetrator.
Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director, wrote the management of a hotel operating in the area offering a vantage view of the incident, as well as the Cebu Redemptorist Church.
'JUSTICE WILL PREVAIIL'
Bernadette earlier called on the driver of the SUV to surrender.
"Kinsa tong midutdot gyud ni Uriel, kinsa tong midikit niya, surrender na. Kay I know justice will prevail. Dili gyud pwede ingon ana-on si Uriel," Bernadette expressed.
Jeslar Uriel is her eldest child. She has three children, all boys.
CASE FILED
Earlier, a murder case was filed by personnel of the CCPO against the suspect.
The case was filed on February 8, 2024 at the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office.
The suspect is the driver of the gray SUV with plate number YKK 161 and equipped with blinkers.
P/Col. Dalogdog said that the driver is the prime suspect in the hit-and-run incident based on testimonies of witnesses and pieces of evidence gathered by policemen.
At that time, the suspect denied vehemently the accusation saying that he was in his residence on the day the incident happened.
The suspect, however, admitted that the SUV has blinkers as he used to sell the said items to legitimate users.
