POLICE are now conducting a manhunt operation against the driver of a jitney that struck and killed a 17–year-old grade 10 student in Tadiangan, Tuba.
Operatives of the Tuba Municipal Police Office said they are now pursuing leads on the whereabouts of the driver who was involved in a vehicular crash in the evening of November 12 in Marville Homes Subdivision, Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet.
Tuba police, which responded to the alarm, said the jitney owned by Rafael Madanes of Dumpsite, Irisan, Baguio was driven by a still unidentified driver who fled after the incident.
Investigation revealed that the driver, who was apparently under the influence of liquor, was driving carelessly in disregard of traffic rules.
As a result, the jitney hit four vehicles and two motorcycles parked along the side of the road as well as a pedestrian identified as Jordan King Barlaan Peralta, student of Baguio City High school who sustained serious physical injuries.
The victim was immediately brought to Saint Louis Hospital for medical treatment but he died on November 18.
“We are now following a lead on the identity of the suspect and once this becomes positive, we will be arresting the suspect who will also face a case of homicide or murder as a result of the death of Mr. Peralta,” said Tuba Police Chief James Acod.
Acod encouraged the public to inform the Tuba police for any details which may lead to the immediate arrest of the suspect.