Mandaue Hit-and-Run Incident Sparks Family's Plea for Justice
A distressing hit-and-run accident occurred in Mandaue City, where a pickup truck struck a female cyclist and fled the scene, leaving the victim injured and her family demanding accountability. The incident, captured on CCTV footage, has raised concerns about road safety and investigative procedures.
Details of the Accident
The victim, identified as Cleonel Torres Bruce, 48, was riding her bicycle home from work when she was suddenly hit by a pickup truck at the intersection of H. Cortes Street and A.S. Fortuna Street in Banilad, Mandaue City. Despite the severity of the collision, the driver immediately sped away, escaping the scene. Authorities have noted the vehicle's plate number as GAT 6351 from the initial police report.
Family's Response and Police Involvement
The victim's family has formally reported the incident to the police, filing a blotter to document the hit-and-run. According to the victim's sibling, authorities have pledged assistance in the case. However, they indicated that identifying the driver might take two to three months, a timeline that has prompted further scrutiny from regulatory bodies.
LTO-7 Clarifies Investigation Procedures
In response to the family's concerns, the Land Transportation Office (LTO-7) has provided clarification on their investigative processes. Francisco Ranches Jr., head of LTO-7, addressed complaints related to this hit-and-run incident, which occurred on February 12, 2026. He emphasized that investigating vehicle owners involved in crimes or road accidents does not necessarily require two to three months, contrary to earlier suggestions.
Ranches explained that while LTO-7 aims to expedite such cases, they cannot always release details about vehicle owners or drivers due to national laws, especially if the reason for the request is not valid. This statement aims to balance transparency with legal compliance in sensitive situations.
Ongoing Efforts and Family's Appeal
The victim's family continues to appeal for public and official help in identifying the driver of the pickup truck. They stress the importance of holding the responsible party accountable for the charges that may be filed against them. This case highlights broader issues of cyclist safety and the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement in urban areas.
As the investigation proceeds, stakeholders are monitoring how quickly authorities can resolve this hit-and-run, with hopes for a swift resolution to bring justice to the victim and her loved ones.
