Hit-and-Run Suspect in Mandaue City Surrenders Following Viral CCTV Footage
After several days in hiding, the suspect involved in a hit-and-run incident in Mandaue City that injured a 48-year-old victim has surrendered to authorities. Police Colonel Mercy Villaro-Kantuna, spokesperson for the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), confirmed on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that the suspect turned himself in at the Traffic Enforcement Unit.
Details of the Incident
The victim, identified as Cleonel Torres Bruce, was injured on February 12 when a pickup truck collided with his bicycle at the intersection of H. Cortes and A.S. Fortuna Streets in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City. Bruce was on his way home from work during the late-night incident. Following the collision, the driver fled the scene, leaving the victim behind.
Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano has pledged to provide assistance to the victim, highlighting the community's response to the case.
Investigation and Surrender
According to Villaro, the suspect was identified through backtracking and forward tracking of CCTV footage to trace the vehicle's route before and after the incident. The suspect was located in a subdivision. Upon learning that police were searching for him due to the viral spread of news and social media videos, he decided to surrender.
“The videos went viral, appearing in news reports and shared by civilians who captured the footage. Because of that, he went to the police to clear his name and ultimately surrendered,” Villaro stated.
Villaro added that the driver went to the Traffic Enforcement Unit to present himself. Based on the investigation, the suspect admitted to feeling dizzy while driving and claimed the collision with the victim was unintentional.
Legal Charges and Aftermath
However, when questioned about why he abandoned the victim, the suspect refused to provide a statement. Nevertheless, he expressed his willingness to face the charges and compensate the victim for damages.
The pickup truck driver is facing the following charges:
- Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Physical Injury and Property Damage
- Violation of Section 55 of Republic Act 4136
- Article 275 of the Revised Penal Code (Abandonment of One’s Own Victim)
This case underscores the role of technology and public awareness in resolving traffic incidents, as the viral footage played a crucial part in prompting the suspect's surrender. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of accountability in such situations to ensure justice for victims.
