More than a week since the hit-and-run incident in Mandaluyong City went viral online, the owner of the involved vehicle that ran over a security guard has surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday, June 15.
Jose Antonio San Vicente appeared to the media along with his parents and lawyer, and apologized to victim Christian Joseph Floralde and his family. The vehicle was also surrendered to authorities.
San Vicente was allowed to go home with the absence of a warrant of arrest. The complaint filed by the police on frustrated murder and abandonment of one’s victim is still pending with the fiscal’s office and the hearing is set on June 17.
The driver’s camp said they offered assistance for the victim’s medical needs, and claimed that they went to the hospital with the victim’s family refusing to talk to them.
The San Vicentes also denied having connections within the police organization, and explained that they were only waiting for a lawyer’s advice before surrendering to the authorities.
PNP officer-in-charge LtGen. Vicente Danao Jr. warned last Monday that they should not wait for an arrest warrant before surrendering.
The Land Transportation Officer earlier disclosed that San Vicente had records in 2010, 2015, and 2016 for reckless driving. San Vicente denied that he is into illegal drugs and will follow his lawyer’s advice on whether or not he should undergo testing.
Floralde is still recovering from his physical injuries sustained from the incident. He said he is ready to accept the driver’s apology but the latter “has to face the case filed for him.” – Report from Bea Bernardo/AG – gb
