A COMMUTER van driver who lost control and collided with another vehicle on January 4, 2025, along the National Highway in Binugao, Toril District, Davao City, now faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, property damage, and physical injuries.
Police Executive Master Sergeant Loreto Dalangin, Chief Investigator of the Davao City Police Office-Traffic Enforcement Unit (DCPO-TEU), confirmed that the 49-year-old driver, Kadaffy Salik from Kabacan, Cotabato, will face legal action for reckless driving following inquest proceedings filed on January 6. This comes after the crash that killed four passengers and injured two others in a van driven by Omar Lastimoso, also from Cotabato City.
According to Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), the penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide are severe, with imprisonment ranging from several months to many years, depending on the case's circumstances and the court's discretion.
For serious physical injuries caused by reckless driving, penalties can range from six months and one day to six years in prison.
DCPO's investigation revealed that Salik lost control of his van, veering into the opposite lane and colliding with another van carrying passengers returning from a beach outing in Samal, Davao del Norte.
Investigators believe Salik may have been speeding or that his vehicle had mechanical issues at the time of the accident.
The DCPO-TEU is urging drivers to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and to regularly check their vehicles for defects, as most accidents are caused by human error. Despite limited personnel, the agency has stepped up efforts to monitor the city's roads daily. DEF