Motorcycle rider, passenger who allegedly threw rock at child in viral video sought by LTO
The Land Transportation Office has issued a show-cause order against a motorcycle rider and his passenger after they allegedly threw a rock at a child who was in a tricycle with her mother, injuring the child in the process.
LTO Chief Assec. Markus V. Lacanilao also summoned the registered owner of the motorcycle involved in the incident.
One of the two viral videos lifted from the Facebook page of an online user shows the rider and his passenger supposedly from the perspective of a companion of the mother and her child inside the tricycle. The rider and passenger drove on a public road alongside the tricycle as both simultaneously took videos of the tricycle. Per LTO, neither wore the proper motorcycle helmets. Their motorcycle also did not have side mirrors.
Another video shows the child in the tricycle bleeding from her forehead while her mother screamed.
Initial reports said an altercation between the individuals preceded the incident. Both the motorcycle rider and his passenger have been identified.
According to the show-cause order, the perpetrators are expected to submit a sworn narrative of the incident to the Investigation Division at the LTO Central Office on Sept. 29. The rider has also been ordered to surrender his driver's license, which will be put under a 90-day suspension. His motorcycle has been placed under alarm status.
Both the rider and passenger are facing several allegations: reckless driving, violation of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, failure to wear the standard protective motorcycle helmet, failure to require the back rider to wear the standard protective motorcycle helmet, and motor vehicle operating without accessories.
Additionally, if LTO's investigation finds the rider to be an improper person to operate a motor vehicle, his license may be revoked.
In a statement, Lacanilao said violence is never the answer to a road disagreement.
"Hindi kailangang idaan sa dahas ang anumang hindi pagkakaunawaan sa kalsada," Lacanilao said.
"Lalo nating dapat bigyang-priyoridad ang kaligtasan ng mga bata at hindi natin palalampasin ang anumang kilos na maaaring maglagay sa panganib sa kanilang buhay. Hinihikayat natin ang bawat motorista na maging responsable, pairalin ang disiplina, at laging igalang ang kapwa sa kalsada," Lacanilao continued.
The LTO also encouraged the public to submit reports and videos of road incidents where road rules are not followed.
