Driver Under Hospital Arrest After Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident in Cebu City
Sean Andrew Pajarillo, a 21-year-old driver, remains under hospital arrest at a private medical facility in Cebu City, closely monitored by personnel from the Cebu City Police Office. In a photograph from the scene, the suspect was seen flashing a peace sign, adding a surreal element to the tragic circumstances.
LTO Issues Show Cause Order and 90-Day License Suspension
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7 has released a show cause order and imposed a 90-day suspension on the driver's license of Pajarillo. This action follows a fatal accident on Paseo Saturnino Road in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026. The victim, identified as Kingston Ralph Cheng, a 23-year-old businessman, was struck and killed by a speeding Toyota Innova while walking near a resto-bar in Maria Luisa Subdivision.
Initial reports indicated that Pajarillo tested positive for alcohol in a liquor test conducted at the private hospital where he is under arrest, as he receives treatment for his injuries. However, subsequent developments have cast doubt on this aspect of the case.
Upcoming LTO Hearing and Police Investigation
A hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2026, at the LTO 7 Operations Division on N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City. Pajarillo is required to attend and submit the requested show cause order, which must explain why his license should not face further suspension or revocation. "Road safety is everyone's responsibility. We urge all drivers to strictly follow traffic rules, drive defensively, and always remain alert and sober behind the wheel. A moment of recklessness can result in irreversible tragedy," reminded LTO 7 Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Francisco "Franz" Ranches Jr., in a statement directed at motorists.
In a related development, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Baños, information officer for the Cebu City Police Office, clarified that based on hospital findings, Pajarillo was not intoxicated at the time of the incident. "Negative ang result ang nigawas sa findings," stated Los Baños, indicating that the initial alcohol test results may have been misinterpreted or are under review.
Los Baños further noted that their investigation is examining allegations circulating on social media, suggesting that Pajarillo may have been involved in another hit-and-run incident at a different location prior to the Banilad accident. The suspect is currently under guard by the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the CCPO as inquiries continue.
Legal Violations and Immediate Aftermath
Following the incident, the LTO issued an order on Monday, February 9, 2026, citing Pajarillo for violations under Section 48 (Reckless Driving) of Republic Act 4136, which deems him unfit to hold a license. Additionally, he faces potential charges for driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs under RA 10586, though the recent police statement complicates this aspect. After the accident, Pajarillo failed to present his driver's license and was ordered to surrender it to authorities.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and enforcement in urban areas like Cebu City, with authorities emphasizing the need for vigilance among drivers to prevent such tragedies.
