NBI 7 Ramps Up Investigation into Fatal Cebu Hit-and-Run Incident
Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 are actively collecting evidence and serving subpoenas in connection with a tragic hit-and-run case in Cebu City. The incident, which occurred on February 8, 2026, resulted in the death of 23-year-old businessman Kingston Ralph Cheng, who was struck by a speeding vehicle while walking with a companion along Paseo Saturnino in Maria Luisa Subdivision, Barangay Banilad.
Parallel Probe Targets Procedural Concerns and Evidence Gathering
The NBI 7 has initiated a parallel investigation into Cheng's death to address specific procedural issues and potential oversights in the initial handling of the case. While local police have already filed charges against 21-year-old suspect Sean Andrew Pajarillo for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, the NBI is meticulously gathering additional evidence. This effort aims to determine if further charges or violations of special laws are applicable, ensuring a comprehensive legal approach.
Pajarillo, who was released on bail on February 13, 2026, is currently facing trial. However, the investigation faces complexities due to the absence of an objective alcohol test to confirm intoxication at the time of the crash. Initial hospital tests were delayed by nearly 24 hours and produced only inconclusive, subjective results, complicating the assessment of the suspect's condition.
Evidence Review and Witness Subpoenas Underway
To reconstruct the events leading up to the fatal collision, investigators are scrutinizing security camera footage that reportedly shows Pajarillo acting unsteady outside a liquor store prior to the incident. This visual evidence is crucial in establishing a timeline and context for the crash.
Additionally, the NBI has issued subpoenas to at least 12 individuals for questioning, as part of a broader strategy to build a robust case. The vehicle involved in the hit-and-run remains impounded at the South Road Properties in Cebu City, serving as a key piece of physical evidence in the ongoing probe.
