Police in Quezon City have arrested a 14-year-old male teenager suspected of a hit-and-run incident that injured a DAILY TRIBUNE (DT) chief photographer Wednesday night.
The incident, an apparent case of reckless driving, occurred along Banlat Road in Barangay Tandang Sora.
Quezon City Police District (QCPD) acting director Police Col. Randy Glenn Silvio said the suspect fled the scene without reporting the incident.
The victims — DT chief photographer Yummie Dingding and her MoveIt motorcycle ride-hailing driver — promptly reported the incident to authorities.
Following the report, the QCPD District Traffic Enforcement Unit (DTEU)-Traffic Sector 6 responded quickly.
Their timely action, aided by backtracking CCTV footage in the area, led to the recovery of the suspect’s Suzuki Skydrive motorcycle and the identification of the driver.
Police located the 14-year-old at his residence along Australia Street, Upper Banlat.
The minor, accompanied by his father, was taken to Traffic Sector 6 for investigation and appropriate handling in accordance with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344).
Silvio confirmed the recovered motorcycle was impounded. The minor driver was issued a citation for reckless driving, involvement in an accident, and driving without a license.
“This swift and responsive action reflects QCPD’s commitment to the first key pillar of Philippine National Police chief Police General Nicolas Torre III, swift and responsive public service,” Silvio said.
“We also remind our youth to prioritize safety and wait until they are of legal age and properly trained before operating motorcycles. We care deeply about your well-being and the safety of others on the road. Together, let’s do our part in building a safer and more responsible community,” he added.
The minor driver was turned over to the Social Services Development Department for counseling. The suspect’s parents have reportedly reached a settlement with the MoveIt driver to cover damages.