Kennon Road High-Speed Car Chase: Van driver hit with more criminal charges

Baguio City, Philippines – The 31-year-old driver from Quezon City who led Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel on a high-speed car chase along Kennon Road is facing additional charges for his actions.

On Tuesday, February 3, the agency announced that an additional case of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property will be filed against the driver.

This development came after the driver of a colorum van reportedly hit an LTO vehicle while attempting to evade traffic enforcers.

The road chase

Department of Transportation–Cordillera (DOTr-CAR) Regional Director Glenn Dumlao narrated that the driver was flagged down by LTO personnel on Sunday afternoon after they received a report from a motorist that two vans were engaging in side-by-side driving. One of the vans stopped and revealed that the other van had cut into its lane.

The second van, however, did not pull over and instead sped away, encroaching into the opposite lane and endangering other vehicles traveling along the narrow and winding road.

The chase eventually ended when the fleeing van struck the agency’s blocking vehicle near the Lion’s Head.

Authorities later discovered that the van originated from Fairview, Manila, and had transported passengers to Baguio without the necessary permits. On the day of the incident, the driver was heading back to Manila while ferrying eight passengers, including a minor.

The LTO said the driver’s license had already been confiscated in 2024 after he was caught operating a colorum vehicle in Aritao. Records also showed he previously faced cases involving obstruction of traffic in Manila, violations of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, and improper motorcycle riding, including riding without a helmet.

Due to his reckless actions in Baguio, city police arrested him and charged him with resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or their agents under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.

Although the driver was temporarily released after posting a P2,000 bail, the LTO said it will recommend the perpetual revocation of his driver’s license, in addition to the criminal charges filed against him.

“Talaga nga daytoy dagiay dapat nga driver nga maikkat, so we penalize him with the maximum nga mabalin nga ited mi with the guidance of Asec. [Assistant Secretary],” Dumlao said.

Meanwhile, the van involved in the incident has been impounded at the DOTr office.