Hit-and-run SUV driver surrenders to PNP: 'My apologies sa nangyari'
The driver involved in the viral hit-and-run incident in Mandaluyong has finally surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Jose Antonio V. Sanvicente, together with his parents, and their lawyer faced PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao in Camp Crame to apologize after running over Christian Floralde, a guard who was directing traffic near Megamall on June 5.
The video of the incident had since gone viral on social media, with the LTO revoking Sanvincente's license and "perpetually disqualifying" him from driving again due to past reckless driving cases.
SUV driver who a hit security guard in Mandaluyong surrenders to PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. at Camp Crame @PhilippineStar pic.twitter.com/c5QI3AQiUi
— manny tupas (@manueltupas) June 15, 2022
"My apologies sa nangyari. My apologies kay Mr. [Floralde] at kanyang pamilya," Sanvicente said, mentioning that the events were a blur.
"The events that occurred are now blurred in my mind. My mind is in chaos at the time. I cannot think properly now," he added.
Amid growing calls to apprehend Sanvincente on social media, Sanvicente's lawyer, Danny Macalino, explained that they were not "pressured" by the police.
“Hindi naman under pressure but I think the proper remedy is kailangan magpakita siya to defuse the public perception na nagtatago siya, at saka para ma-interview namin siya personally kung anong nangyari."
“You cannot defend a person in his absence, you cannot. Kailangan malaman namin ang katotohanan. Ang katotohanan will set you free, diba?"
His lawyer also mentioned that the police did not apprehend Antonio because they came to the residence of his father, Joel Sanvincente, who is the registered owner of the white Toyota RAV 4.
"Let’s clarify, kaninong bahay ang pinuntahan. Baka ‘yong bahay na pinuntahan ay ‘yong bahay ng parents niya. Let us make this clear: ang registration, ang address niya sa registered owner of the car, ‘yon ang bahay ng tatay niya," Macalino said.
“Pero nakausap ko ang tatay niya sabi niya matagal nang wala si Anton doon, matagal na, hindi niya bahay ‘yon, bahay ng tatay niya."
Sanvincente's father also mentioned that he called for a lawyer to protect his son: "I cannot think well because it was not a natural accident so the first thing that I did is to contact a lawyer. I think it was natural for such kind of accident to call a lawyer as I could not think well because it's my son."
Meanwhile, as per Danao, the national police considers the case closed.
"As far as the [PNP] is concerned, we consider this case solved. Considering that we already filed the case and 'yun pong ating person of interest or the suspect voluntarily gave up to clear matters at hand," Danao said in a statement.
"We are now leaving to the prosecution's office, to the courts, on the proper venue to answer the matters at hands. They will have their day in court."
