The driver of the white BMW vehicle that fatally struck a 29-year-old call center agent in Quezon City has yet to surrender, with police now trying to secure an arrest warrant against him.
The registered owner of the vehicle, identified by the police as John Joshua Yap Ng, a resident of Barangay 61 in Caloocan City, has refused to admit involvement in the incident.
The police said Ng had sent his lawyers even as the police and the deceased’s family have filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and abandonment.
P/Capt. Joan Vela, head of Quezon City Police District Traffic Sector 2 (Novaliches), told the DAILY TRIBUNE that authorities are working to expedite the warrant.
“He is not surrendering. Only his lawyers are appearing [on his behalf], and he is not admitting [guilt],” Vela said.
She said her team is searching “24/7” for Ng, who fled the scene after his car, with plate number NAG 3535, struck Den Adrian John Viaje of Barangay Bagbag at around 2 a.m. Tuesday.
The victim was crossing Quirino Avenue near Pagkabuhay Road in Novaliches when hit.
A witness reportedly saw Ng exit the vehicle upon arriving home, having allegedly sped away without aiding Viaje.
CCTV footage showed the BMW was speeding at impact, and that the driver failed to stop. There was also no record of Ng reporting the incident.
QCPD acting director P./Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. urged Ng to surrender and appealed for public assistance.
“I also urge anyone who witnessed the incident to report to the nearest police station. Your cooperation is crucial for justice,” Buslig said.