Three cases have been filed with the prosecutor’s office against the driver of a Toyota Fortuner involved in a fatal road crash in Cebu City that killed a 27-year-old woman and injured her American husband.
The crash happened in the early hours of September 21 along General Maxilom Avenue in Barangay Cogon Ramos. Police identified the driver as Ralph Antony Go, who was allegedly behind the wheel when the SUV struck the couple as they were walking along the road.
Cebu City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Jomar Medil said Go is facing a case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide in connection with the death of Criza Jean Concha Livingstone.
A second case of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries was filed over the injuries sustained by her husband, 56-year-old John Charles Livingstone, an American national. The proceedings for these two cases were conducted on September 22.
The third case involves alleged violations of Republic Act 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, along with abandonment. An online inquest proceeding for these allegations was conducted on the afternoon of September 21, shortly after the crash.
Authorities said they are awaiting the formal information for the cases. Go remains in the temporary custodial facility of the Traffic Enforcement Unit while arrangements for bail are being processed.
The case has also moved beyond criminal proceedings. The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas is expected to pursue administrative action, including possible revocation of Go’s driver’s license and an alert on the vehicle’s license plate.
The circumstances surrounding the crash have drawn additional attention after reports that the SUV driver initially left the scene. A separate SunStar report said the driver was later caught about a kilometer away by pursuing barangay tanods and was found to have alcohol in his system during a breathalyzer test. The driver reportedly told authorities that he had fallen asleep, although the full circumstances remain part of the investigation.
The fatal collision has also renewed discussion about pedestrian safety along General Maxilom Avenue. Concerns have been raised about poorly lit and obstructed sidewalks, conditions that can force pedestrians closer to moving vehicles and increase their exposure to traffic risks.
With criminal, traffic and administrative proceedings now underway, investigators will continue determining the circumstances that led to the collision, while the victims’ families face the aftermath of a crash that turned an ordinary walk into a fatal tragedy.
