MANILA — The Land Transportation Office (LTO), under Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) and suspended the license of a Toyota Hi-Lux driver for 90 days while investigating his alleged involvement in the death of a child pedestrian in Ilocos Sur.

The administrative action follows an LTO inquiry into a viral Facebook video and a police report filed on January 12, 2026.

Initial investigations indicate that the driver, heading west along Daang Suyo-Cervantes in Brgy. Uso, Suyo, Ilocos Sur, struck a child who suddenly crossed the road after alighting from a tricycle with his mother. The child was rushed to Ilocos Sur District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

According to the SCO, the driver is ordered to report to the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the 2/F LETAS Building, East Avenue, Quezon City. He must submit a sworn statement explaining why he should not be held administratively liable for Reckless Driving and being an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle in connection with the incident.

The vehicle has been placed under alarm status, and the driver’s license has been temporarily suspended for 90 days, to be surrendered to the IID during the investigation. Failure to appear or submit a sworn statement will be considered a waiver of his right to be heard, and the LTO will proceed based on available documentation.

“Ang buhay ng bawat mamamayan ay hindi maibabalik—lalo na ang buhay ng isang bata na dapat pang makamit ang kanyang mga pangarap. Hinihikayat ko ang lahat ng mga driver na laging maging maingat at responsable sa kalsada. Sumunod sa mga batas trapiko para sa ligtas na kalsada para sa lahat,” Lacanilao said, emphasizing road safety for all.