The National Bureau of Investigation–Central Visayas (NBI-7) has launched a formal investigation into potential violations of special laws, including the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, following a tragic road accident that claimed the life of young entrepreneur Kingston Cheng. This probe is being conducted independently of the charges already filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Authentication of CCTV Footage as Key Evidence
NBI-7 Agent III Maria Contesa Lastimoso confirmed to SunStar Cebu that the bureau has initiated its own inquiry and has preserved crucial video evidence. "We have preserved that and it has been authenticated also," stated Lastimoso. The investigation focuses on authenticating closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage captured before the bloody incident occurred.
Coordinating with the Victim's Family and Collecting Evidence
The NBI-7 has engaged with the family of Kingston Cheng and begun collecting CCTV videos from the period leading up to the collision. Among the materials under scrutiny is a video that circulated online, showing the driver, Sean Andrew Pajarillo, walking toward his vehicle outside a bar in Cebu City prior to the accident.
Lastimoso emphasized that the next step involves ensuring this video, which depicts Pajarillo appearing intoxicated before taking the wheel, was indeed recorded on the day of the incident and not from previous occasions. Authorities have already identified potential witnesses, gathered affidavits, and consulted with the legal counsel representing the Cheng family.
Potential Additional Charges Under Special Laws
The PNP has already filed a case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against Pajarillo, who posted bail of P72,000. However, Lastimoso clarified that this does not prevent the NBI-7 from pursuing further charges under special laws. "We have information that they filed reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, which is bailable. But we have other special laws like driving under the influence (DUI)," explained Lastimoso.
She added that filing cases under special laws could be supplementary to the charges already raised by the PNP within their jurisdiction. This dual-track approach aims to ensure a comprehensive legal response to the incident, addressing both general criminal negligence and specific statutory violations related to impaired driving.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities meticulously piecing together evidence to determine the full scope of liability in this devastating case. The focus on special laws highlights the broader legal implications of road safety violations, particularly those involving alcohol or drugs, in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
