Full Breakdown
Cebu City Hit-and-Run Incident Highlights Breathalyzer Equipment Gap
2/12/2026, 1:04:37 PM
Incident Overview
On February 8, 2023, a fatal hit-and-run incident occurred in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, resulting in the death of 23-year-old entrepreneur Kingston Ralph Ko Cheng. The suspect, 21-year-old Sean Andrew Pajarillo, allegedly drove his Toyota Innova at high speed, first colliding with a parked vehicle and then hitting Cheng, who was walking nearby. The impact caused severe injuries to Cheng, who later succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital.
Delayed Alcohol Testing Raises Concerns
The investigation into the incident revealed significant delays in administering an alcohol test to Pajarillo. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Baños stated that the request for a liquor test was made shortly after the crash, but hospital protocols and the need for Pajarillo's consent caused a lengthy delay. He was initially taken to a private hospital in Mandaue City, where the alcohol testing equipment was unavailable. After several hours, Pajarillo was transferred to Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), where he underwent a sobriety test approximately 18 hours after the incident, yielding a negative result.
Admission of Equipment Shortage
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival acknowledged the lack of immediate breath analyzer equipment in the city, which became evident during the handling of this case. He emphasized the need for such equipment to ensure timely and accurate assessments of intoxication. Archival stated, “Now that we know this, that is what we need,” indicating a commitment to addressing the gap in resources.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
Following the incident, Pajarillo was placed under hospital arrest and is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property. The Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 has also suspended his driver’s license for 90 days pending investigation. The community has expressed grief over Cheng's death, and Mayor Archival has promised transparency in the investigation process, assuring that the police will provide accurate updates.
Criticism of Police Procedures
Critics have raised concerns about the police's handling of the situation, particularly regarding the extended delay in alcohol testing. While police maintained that they acted promptly, the limitations of their authority once Pajarillo was hospitalized were highlighted. Los Baños noted that while officers detected the smell of alcohol, formal testing was necessary to establish intoxication, which was hindered by hospital protocols.
Conclusion
The tragic hit-and-run incident in Cebu City has not only resulted in a loss of life but has also exposed critical gaps in the city's emergency response capabilities, particularly concerning alcohol testing. As the investigation continues, the city government is under pressure to enhance its resources to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
