A 41-year-old tricycle driver with a disability was killed in a hit-and-run incident involving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) on the national highway in Barangay Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City.
The incident was captured by several CCTV cameras, which are now aiding authorities in identifying the fleeing driver.
In the video footage, the victim identified as Leonardo Tado II is seen transporting passengers to a church. In another camera angle, the victim is seen returning alone after dropping the passengers off when he was struck by the SUV from behind.
Another video footage also showed the SUV crashing into the tricycle from a significant distance behind. The impact caused the tricycle to flip and hurled the victim onto the pavement, resulting in severe head injuries that led to his death.
Despite the crash, the SUV driver did not stop and, instead, fled the area.
A color rose gold fender believed to be from the suspect’s vehicle was left on the road.
The victim’s family is calling for justice and urging the suspect to surrender.
“Nanawagan kung kinsa man ka tawhana ka nga nakasala or nakabangga sa akong igsuon, kinasingkasing nako nga hangyo nga unta imong atubangon ang imong sala nga nabuhat. Imagine, duna siyay asawa nga amang, naa syay duha ka 5 ug 9 years old nga gibiyaan. Isip usa ka breadwinner sa pamilya wala nay mu-provide sa ilaha, unta makonsensya ka. Naay Ginoo nagtan-aw, muabot sa gihapon ang karma nimo kung dili ka magpakita sa amoa,” the victim’s sister, Lolita Aguelo, said.
Police have traced the plate number of the SUV involved and are coordinating with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for possible revocation of the driver’s license once investigation is completed.
“Maghatag pud ta og report sa Land Transportation Office for the revocation sa license sa maong driver after the result of the investigation kung ma-identify na gyud nato ang driver sa maong SUV,” Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Spokesperson, Capt. Hazel Caballero Tuazon, said.