THE chief investigator of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has been relieved from his post after figuring in a recent hit-and-run incident that led to the death of a tricycle driver.
Lt. Col. Mark Julio Abong has been replaced by Maj. Sheryl Bautista as officer-in-charge of the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit.
Abong, facing a case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injury and damage to property, has been reassigned to the District Personnel Holding and Accounting Section.
Abong is the subject of investigation, preparatory to possible filing of administrative charges against him, according to QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
The incident occurred last August 6 in Barangay Quirino 2A involving a Ford Ranger vehicle and a tricycle. The tricycle driver, Joel Larao, died while his passenger, Rozelle Morales, was injured.
Investigation later established the Ford Ranger vehicle is owned by Abong.
Abong claimed his vehicle was being driven at that time by Ronaldo Centino, who is responsible for the maintenance of his vehicle. Abong said Centino took his vehicle out without his consent.
Police filed criminal charges against Abong and Centino before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office last August 11.
“As of now, the persons responsible for the incident have been already charged,” said Torre as he assured the public that he will not tolerate any wrongdoing among his people.