A 27-year-old woman was killed while her American companion was injured after they were struck by a sport utility vehicle allegedly driven by an intoxicated driver in Cebu City early Monday, September 21.
The incident happened at around 2:21 a.m. along General Maxilom Avenue in Barangay Cogon Ramos, according to the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Cebu City Police Office.
The fatality was identified as Criza Jean Aque Concha, a resident of Barangay Lahug. Her companion was identified by police as John Charles Livingstone, 56, an American national.
Police arrested the driver of the white Toyota Fortuner, identified as 26-year-old Ralph Anthony Peggy Go, a resident of Barangay Sambag 1.
Based on the TEU investigation and CCTV footage, Concha and Livingstone were walking along the roadside toward Fuente Osmeña when the SUV suddenly crossed into the opposite lane and struck them.
Police said the driver allegedly fell asleep while intoxicated as he was traveling toward the Fuente Rotunda.
The impact was severe. Concha was reportedly thrown and run over, while Livingstone was thrown toward the sidewalk.
The SUV initially stopped briefly after the collision but allegedly continued toward Fuente. Authorities and a barangay tanod later stopped the vehicle near the Fuente area, where Go was arrested.
The two victims were rushed to Cebu City Medical Center. Concha was declared dead on arrival, while Livingstone remained under medical observation.
Authorities later subjected Go to an alcohol breath analyzer test. Police said the test registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.384 percent, which they described as far above the legal limit under the country’s anti-drunk and drugged driving law.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jomar Medil, chief of the TEU, said Go is expected to face a case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injuries, along with additional violations under Republic Act 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
Medil also said police would request the Land Transportation Office to revoke the driver’s license and place an alert on the vehicle’s plate number following the positive alcohol test.
Go remained in police custody as authorities prepared the formal filing of charges.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by pedestrians on Cebu City’s busy roads, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when impaired driving can have deadly consequences.
As investigators complete the case, authorities will determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash and the appropriate charges against the driver.
