The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday suspended the driver of a Toyota Hilux following a viral video linked to the death of a young girl who was crossing the road.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacalinao said the suspension came after an initial investigation showed that the driver was heading west along Suyo-Cervantes Road in Barangay Uso, Suyo, Ilocos Sur, when the vehicle struck a child pedestrian.

Based on the initial findings, the child suddenly crossed the road after alighting from a tricycle with her mother. The victim was rushed to the Ilocos Sur District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Under a show-cause order issued by the LTO, the driver was ordered to appear before the agency’s Investigation Division on 23 January at 2 p.m. at its office in East Avenue, Quezon City.

The driver was also directed to submit a sworn statement explaining why he should not be held liable for administrative offenses, including reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle, in connection with the incident.

The LTO said the vehicle involved has been placed under alarm status, while the driver’s license has been suspended for 90 days. The driver was ordered to immediately surrender the license to the Investigation Division while the probe is ongoing.

Lacalinao urged motorists to act responsibly on the road, stressing that lives lost cannot be restored, especially those of children.

“Ang buhay ng bawat mamamayan ay hindi maibabalik-lalo na ang buhay ng isang bata na dapat pang makamit ang kanyang mga pangarap. Hinihikayat ko ang lahat ng mga driver na laging maging maingat at responsable sa kalsada. Sumunod sa mga batas trapiko para sa ligtas na kalsada para sa lahat,” Asec Lacalinao said.

The LTO warned that if the driver fails to attend the hearing and submit a sworn statement, the agency will proceed with its investigation based on available evidence and documents.