A TRAGIC hit-and-run incident early Sunday morning, February 8, 2026, has claimed the life of a young entrepreneur near the entrance of Maria Luisa Subdivision in Barangay Banilad.
The victim was identified as Kingston Ralph Cheng, the founder of The Mill Lifestyle Cafe located at Ayala Center Cebu. He was rushed to a private hospital by a city government ambulance but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
According to the Cebu City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU), the incident began when 21-year-old Sean Andrew Pajarillo was driving a Toyota Innova at high speed.
Police report that Pajarillo first crashed into a parked Toyota Vios near One Paseo. Instead of stopping to address the accident, he reportedly sped up to flee the scene.
As he accelerated away, Pajarillo struck Cheng, who was walking near a local resto-bar. The force of the impact was so strong that it threw Cheng against a nearby utility pole.
The driver did not stop after hitting the pedestrian. He continued to flee until his vehicle eventually overturned several meters away along Paseo Eulalia, inside Maria Luisa Subdivision.
During the investigation, police discovered that Pajarillo was unable to produce a valid driver’s license or registration documents for the vehicle.
The suspect is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries and remains under hospital arrest. Authorities are now preparing to file formal charges against him, including:
* Reckless imprudence resulting in homicide
* Damage to property
This heartbreaking event has shocked the local business community, where Mr. Cheng was a well-known figure. Police continue to process the scene as they finalize the case against the driver. (AYB)