Unlicensed Driver Faces Hospital Arrest After Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident in Cebu City
A tragic hit-and-run incident in Cebu City has resulted in the death of a pedestrian and led to the hospital arrest of a 21-year-old driver who was operating a vehicle without a valid license. The collision occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026, leaving the community in shock and authorities investigating the reckless actions that unfolded.
Details of the Fatal Accident
According to reports from the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) of the Cebu City Police Office, the incident took place at approximately 12:53 a.m. inside Maria Luisa Village in Barangay Banilad. The suspect, identified as Sean Andrew Pajarillo, was driving a Toyota Innova at high speed when he first collided with a parked Toyota Vios near One Paseo. The owner of the parked vehicle, 35-year-old Bryl Alegarbes, witnessed the initial impact, but Pajarillo did not stop to assess the damage.
Instead, witnesses stated that the driver accelerated further, leaving the damaged Toyota Vios behind. Moments later, the Innova struck a pedestrian, Kingston Ralph Cheng, a resident of Maria Luisa Village, near a local resto bar. The force of the impact was so severe that Cheng was thrown toward an electric post adjacent to a restaurant. Despite this, Pajarillo continued driving without stopping, eventually causing the vehicle to overturn several meters away from the scene.
Aftermath and Investigation Findings
Emergency responders rushed Kingston Ralph Cheng to a private hospital via a City Government ambulance. Investigators reported that he was in critical condition upon arrival but later succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, Sean Andrew Pajarillo was also taken to another private hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the accident.
Further investigation by the TEU revealed alarming details about the suspect. Pajarillo was unable to present a valid driver’s license at the time of the incident, and he also lacked the necessary vehicle documents, including the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration for the Toyota Innova. These findings compounded the severity of the case, highlighting a blatant disregard for traffic laws and public safety.
Legal Consequences and Charges
As a result of the investigation, Sean Andrew Pajarillo has been placed under hospital arrest. He is now facing serious charges, including reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property. The case underscores the dangers of unlicensed driving and hit-and-run incidents, which have become a growing concern in urban areas like Cebu City.
Authorities are urging the public to adhere to traffic regulations and emphasize the importance of responsible driving to prevent such tragedies. The community mourns the loss of Kingston Ralph Cheng, while legal proceedings against the suspect are expected to proceed as he recovers from his injuries.
