Hit-and-Run Suspect Appears in Court as Lawyer Details Client's Remorse and Trauma
Sean Andrew Pajarillo, the suspect in a fatal hit-and-run incident, appeared before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office on February 13, 2026. He has been formally charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide in connection with the death of Kingston Ralph Ko Cheng, which occurred in the early hours of February 8, 2026.
Lawyer Describes Emotional State of Suspect
Julito Añora, the legal counsel for Pajarillo, described his client as deeply remorseful and traumatized by the incident. Añora stated that he witnessed Pajarillo crying continuously while in a private room at a city hospital in Mandaue City, where the suspect was under hospital arrest.
"Because we can see that he keeps crying. He was crying at the hospital. Although I would like to personally talk to him, he simply wouldn't respond," said Añora. He added that whenever he attempted to ask questions, such as whether Pajarillo was intoxicated during the collision on Paseo Saturnino, Maria Luisa Road in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, the suspect remained silent and continued to weep.
"Every time I ask him questions, he cries. He seems traumatized as well," Añora noted, emphasizing the emotional toll on his client.
Concerns Over Potential Flight and Legal Proceedings
Añora also revealed that he received a phone call warning that the suspect's family might attempt to take him to Canada. In response, he advised the victim's family against any actions that could compromise the case.
"I actually told the parents to never do anything that would raise the case. If he is sent to Canada and during the hearing they do not attend, technically the bail could be revoked, a warrant of arrest issued, and he could be imprisoned because there is already a flight risk," explained Añora.
Pajarillo's family has assured authorities that they will not flee and will comply with all legal processes while awaiting the scheduled court arraignment. They expressed sympathy to the victim's family, relatives, and friends, acknowledging the loss of life and pledging to face the consequences of the case.
Bail Posting and Ongoing Investigation
On February 13, 2026, Pajarillo posted bail amounting to P72,000 for the reckless imprudence resulting in homicide charge. The bail process was conducted under strict security enforced by the Cebu City Police Office at the court. Following the posting of bail, he returned to the hospital for necessary processing prior to his release.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Baños, the information officer of the Cebu City Police Office, confirmed that investigators from the Traffic Enforcement Unit have already submitted their evidence to the prosecutor's office. The case is now pending a hearing in court, as authorities await further legal proceedings.
