Sean Andrew Pajarillo, a 21-year-old man, has secured his temporary freedom after posting a P72,000 bail at the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City on Friday, February 13, 2026. Accompanied by police escorts and his legal counsel, Pajarillo was released following his bail payment for charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The case stems from a tragic hit-and-run accident that occurred in the early hours of February 8, 2026, along Paseo Saturnino on Maria Luisa Road in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City. The victim, identified as 23-year-old businessman Kingston Ralph Cheng, was reportedly walking along the roadside to retrieve his parked vehicle when he was struck by a speeding Toyota Innova driven by Pajarillo.
After posting bail, Pajarillo was returned to the private hospital in Mandaue City where he had been under hospital arrest, to complete his discharge procedures. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Baños, the information officer for the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), confirmed that investigators from the Traffic Enforcement Unit have already forwarded their evidence to the prosecutor's office. Authorities are now awaiting the scheduling of the court hearing for this case.
Legal Counsel Describes Client's Remorse
Attorney Julito Añora, the legal counsel representing Sean Andrew Pajarillo, provided insights into his client's emotional state following the incident. Añora stated that Pajarillo has expressed deep remorse over the death of Kingston Ralph Cheng. According to the lawyer, Pajarillo has been continuously crying in his private hospital room, showing signs of severe trauma.
"We observed him crying constantly. He was crying in the hospital. Although I would like to personally talk to him, he simply wouldn't speak," Attorney Añora explained. The lawyer attempted to question Pajarillo about what happened, including whether he was intoxicated during the collision, but received no verbal responses—only tears.
"Every time I ask him questions, he cries, as if he's traumatized," Añora added, emphasizing the psychological impact the incident has had on the young suspect.
Addressing Flight Risk Concerns
Attorney Añora also addressed rumors that Pajarillo's family might attempt to take him to Canada to avoid prosecution. The lawyer revealed he received a phone call alerting him to circulating stories about such plans and immediately warned the parents against any actions that could complicate the case.
"I actually told the parents to never do anything that would raise the case. If they were to take him to Canada and then fail to attend the hearing, technically the bail could be revoked, a warrant of arrest issued, and he could be imprisoned because there would already be a flight risk," Añora clarified.
The family has since assured authorities they will not help Pajarillo flee the country. They have committed to following all legal processes and awaiting the scheduled arraignment in court.
Condolences to the Victim's Family
Through his lawyer, Pajarillo's family extended their condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of Kingston Ralph Cheng. They acknowledged the profound loss of life and expressed understanding of the grief experienced by the victim's loved ones.
Along with their condolences, the family pledged to face whatever outcome the legal proceedings may bring, demonstrating their intention to cooperate fully with the judicial process as the case moves forward.
