The suspect involved in the fatal road crash incident on 17 October 2025 along Commonwealth Avenue, tested positive for illegal drugs, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced Sunday.

QCPD Acting District Director P/Col. Randy Glenn Silvio confirmed that 51-year-old Ruel Dela Cerna was subjected to a laboratory examination conducted by the QCPD Forensic Unit (QCPDFU), which revealed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu.” Silvio said following the incident, on October 18, 2025, a complaint for Murder, Frustrated Murder, Malicious Mischief, Abandonment of One’s Own Victim, and Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or their Agents was filed against the suspect.

In addition, the suspect will also face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10586 (The Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013) before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

“This case serves as a clear warning to those who drive under the influence of illegal drugs, you will be held fully accountable under the law. At mabigat po ang parusa dito ayon sa batas, reclusion temporal o mahigit 12 years to 20 years maximum na pagkakakulong at may multang 300,000 to 500,000 Pesos pag namatay ang biktima", Silvio said.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the license of Dela Cerna. LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said they implemented the perpetual disqualification to drive against Dela Cerna.

“We will make sure that this UV Express driver will never drive anymore,” Lopez said in Filipino.

Earlier, the suspect was arrested by the QCPD and underwent sobriety and alcohol breath analyzer tests, which both yielded negative results.

Silvio said the laboratory examination conducted on Dela Cerna showed positive results on Saturday (18 October) with the suspect admitting that he had used illegal drugs Thursday night, just hours before the Friday morning crash.