The PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has announced that the driver involved in the viral SLEX hit-and-run incident has surrendered to authorities.

According to HPG Director, BGen. Rommel Batangan, investigators were able to track down the SUV through intelligence and backtracking operations. Authorities later discovered that the vehicle was being repainted, allegedly to conceal the damage sustained in the incident.

“Gayundin, matagumpay na nagsagawa ng intelligence [drive] at back-tracking operations ang mga tauhan ng Special Operations Division, kung saan ay aming na-locate ang lokasyon ng nasabing SUV na kasalukuyan nang pina-aayos ang pintura upang maitago ang damages dulot ng insidente,” Batangan said.

(Our personnel from the Special Operations Division also successfully conducted intelligence and backtracking operations, which led to the location of the SUV. Investigators found that the vehicle was already undergoing repainting, apparently in an attempt to conceal the damage resulting from the incident.)

Following the discovery, the HPG immediately seized the vehicle, which is now under police custody for documentation and as evidence in the case being built against the driver.

The HPG has also formally requested the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to revoke the driver’s license and place the vehicle under alarm status. Batangan said charges for abandonment of one’s victim, reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries, and damage to property are being prepared against the driver.

Meanwhile, the LTO has earlier issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against the motorist. Under existing rules, the issuance of an SCO carries an automatic 90-day preventive suspension of the driver’s license while the investigation is ongoing. The SUV has likewise been placed under alarm status.

LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao, said that anyone found to have violated the law, especially those who flee the scene of a crash, will be held accountable and should not expect to evade responsibility simply by driving away.

The driver has been ordered to appear before the LTO on June 15, 2026.