Hit and run: What to do next?

MANILA, Philippines — Hit and run?

Philippine transportation is not known for being the safest in the world. Not a week goes by without commuters complaining about MRT breakdowns, traffic jams, and vehicular accidents. 

Although hit-and-run accidents have been decreasing over the years, the figures remain alarming, the 2015 National Statistics Office report revealed.

On Thursday, June 25, a photo of a hit-and-run victim went viral on Facebook. The incident, which took place in Taguig, left a student with minor injuries. Netizens were quick to post pictures online, but did anyone report to the authorities?

“Kahit na nag-vaviral mga ganitong post, kailangan namin ng isang tao na mag-file ng report,” stressed Supt. Annie Langcay of the Philippine National Police (PNP) NCR Police Office. (Even if these posts go viral, we still need one person to file a report.)

“In these incidents, the PNP itself cannot make action unless someone reports, Langcay added.

So what should victims, witnesses, and drivers involved in a hit and run do?

1. Take note of vital information

Both victims and witnesses should get the vehicle’s plate number. Also take note of other helpful information like the car model, body markings, and if possible, the conduction sticker located at the upper left or right corner of the vehicle’s windshield.

These details could help the PNP in identifying the suspect from the database managed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

2. Victims and witnesses should report

Report the incident to the nearest police station or to any uniformed police personnel. Once reported, the PNP personnel should immediately arrange for the necessary medical assistance.

Some witnesses hesitate in reporting incidents, in fear of perpetrators going after them.

“Among witnesses, there’s also fear especially when the vehicle involved is fancy,” said Langcay. “I would advise witnesses to come forward, don’t be afraid.” In reporting, witnesses are not only helping victims, but they also raise awareness among communities.

“Crime is everybody’s concern,” the public safety officer stressed. “Put yourself in their situation, what if you’re the victim? You’d like for somebody to stand for you.”

The PNP assures witnesses that their personal details would remain confidential. Their information will not be provided to the suspects involved.

3. What should the driver do?

The immediate reaction of most drivers is fear and panic, Langcay observed, especially when the person they hit is no longer conscious. 

“Once you return to your senses, immediately you surrender yourself to nearest police station,” Langcay advised drivers or vehicle owners involved in such accidents.

If the driver is afraid of the police or is not confident that the PNP will be providing assistance, she or he may first report to a barangay official.

“As a police officer, I suggest that they should not be afraid. Do not hesitate in approaching PNP personnel, they’re there to help,” she added. She advised drivers to immediately report where and when the incident happened, for the victim’s sake.

4. On social media

While social media posts may be helpful in raising awareness, the PNP reminds the public that reporting should be done offline too.

The LTO stressed that hit and run incidents, including plate number and vehicle details, should be reported to the PNP first. As a policy, the LTO does not divulge information on the vehicle ownership.

“Because they have the right to privacy, callers could be kidnappers,” according to the LTO. Requests for vehicle information should be made through the PNP or the aggrieved party’s lawyer.

If witnesses are brave enough to post pictures on social media, they should also be able to file an actual report, the PNP stressed. — Rappler.com

To report hit and run incidents within Metro Manila, you may contact the PNP NCR-PO Tactical Operations Center at 838-3203 or 0999-901-7181. You may also report to any police station nearest the incident.