NBI Launches Independent Probe into Fatal Cebu Hit-and-Run Case
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Central Visayas has initiated an independent investigation into the tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of young entrepreneur Kingston Ralph Cheng. This development comes as the victim's mother, Katherine Cheng, breaks her silence for the first time since the February 8, 2026 tragedy on Paseo Saturnino.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Statement
In an emotional statement released on Tuesday, February 17, Katherine Cheng described the profound loss of her son as "unimaginable" and "unbearable for any mother, for any parent." Kingston died after being struck by a vehicle driven by Sean Andrew Pajarillo, with the impact throwing him into a utility pole where he succumbed to his injuries.
"I lost my son in an unimaginable, tragic way that makes it so painful that words cannot express," Katherine stated. While the family initially sought to grieve privately, they have now decided to pursue legal action both to honor Kingston's memory and to prevent similar tragedies from devastating other families.
Questions Surround the Investigation
Although Pajarillo was charged with reckless imprudence and released on ₱72,000 bail on February 13, significant questions persist about the circumstances leading to the fatal crash. Social media videos allegedly show Pajarillo appearing intoxicated at a bar shortly before the incident, yet a hospital test conducted 19 hours later claimed no alcohol was detected in his system.
Mayor Nestor Archival has revealed a critical flaw in this testing: the hospital lacked proper equipment to conduct accurate alcohol testing. This revelation has raised serious concerns about the validity of the initial findings and prompted the NBI's involvement.
NBI Focuses on Anti-Drunk Driving Laws
The NBI investigation specifically examines potential violations of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act, which carries different penalties than standard traffic charges. NBI investigator Maria Contesa Lastimoso confirmed that her team has secured and authenticated key video evidence related to the case.
"We also have other special laws like driving under the influence," Lastimoso stated, emphasizing that the NBI can file additional charges even though police have already initiated their own case. This parallel investigation aims to ensure comprehensive examination of all legal aspects surrounding the tragedy.
Family Seeks Justice and Prevention
The Cheng family expresses trust in both police and judicial systems while hoping their pursuit of justice through official channels will raise public awareness about the deadly consequences of impaired driving. Their goal extends beyond individual accountability to broader community safety improvements on Cebu's streets.
Katherine Cheng's poignant words underscore their motivation: "No amount of remorse or sincere apologies can ever bring him back." The family's decision to make this incident "official" through legal proceedings represents both a tribute to Kingston and a call for systemic change to prevent future tragedies.
