LTO Summons Student Driver in Fatal Negros Crash

By Gerome Dalipe IV

SAN CARLOS CITY, Negros Occidental – The Land Transportation Office San Carlos City District has issued a show cause order to a 20-year-old student driver involved in a deadly motorcycle collision.

LTO San Carlos District Chief Robbie F. Andutan and her team served the order to Mehver Lorence Solitario y Cuizon, who was operating a motorcycle without a valid driver’s license and carrying a 12-year-old passenger.

The order requires Solitario to explain why he should not be penalized under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Solitario’s father, Richard, received the summons on his behalf, as Solitario remains hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the crash.

According to a report from the San Carlos Component City Police Station, the crash occurred around 3:50 p.m. on July 1 along C.L. Ledesma National Highway in Barangay Punao.

Solitario’s motorcycle collided head-on with another bike ridden by 59-year-old Wilfredo M. Beating Sr., who was making a left turn at the Hacienda Socorro intersection.

Both riders were unlicensed.

Beating was declared dead on arrival at San Carlos City Hospital.

Solitario has five calendar days to submit a written explanation to the LTO Regional Office VI Intelligence and Investigation Unit in Iloilo City.

Failure to comply will forfeit his right to a hearing and prompt the LTO to resolve the case based on available evidence.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II is leading a national crackdown on reckless driving.

The campaign in Region 6 is being enforced by Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II and Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu.

Under Section 48 of RA 4136, reckless driving that endangers public safety is prohibited.

Section 19 of the law also requires all motor vehicle operators to possess a valid driver’s license.