Metrobriefs

Cops sue jeepney driver in reporter’s death

The police on Wednesday formally charged the driver of a passenger jeepney who fled after his vehicle hit a motorcycle, killing a four-months pregnant tabloid reporter in Rizal province. Maria Concepcion Dabban, a reporter of the weekly tabloid “Hagupit,” was on her way home from work on a motorcycle on the National Road in Barangay Pag-asa, Binangonan, around 9 p.m. on Monday when she was hit by a passenger jeepney with license plate TXG 147. The jeepney driver then fled but witnesses took note of his vehicle’s license plate. A police check identified the driver as John Rey Laurenio, a resident of Taytay, Rizal, who was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide at the Taytay Prosecutor’s Office. As of Wednesday afternoon, he had yet to surrender. “The police are now searching for [him]. He was nowhere to be seen in his house in Taytay, Rizal,” case investigator PO2 Carlito Oja Jr. said. The accident happened just three weeks after another reporter, Edwin Perez of People’s Balita, was stabbed dead in a robbery attempt in Antipolo City, Rizal. Three suspects in the newsman’s killing were arrested two days later. Niña Calleja

Better late than never for man charged with murder

A man who was sentenced earlier this week to serve up to 12 years in prison on a murder charge can now apply for parole since he has already served the minimum jail term. Carlos Asuncion, who was convicted on Monday for killing Leonardo Pedrido in March 2003, has been detained for more than nine years at the Pasig City Jail while waiting for the promulgation of his case. Judge Danilo Cruz of the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 152, however, downgraded the charge against Asuncion from murder to homicide and ordered him to serve from six to 12 years in prison. He was also directed to pay P150,000 in damages to the kin of his victim.  Niña Calleja

Habitat goes to Navotas

Habitat for Humanity goes to Navotas City for a “Youth Build” to be held on May 12. Expecting more than a thousand youth participants, the project is in line with Habitat’s 2020 Vision Campaign that carries the theme: “I Build My City, I Build My Philippines.” For inquiries, visit www.habitat.org.ph or call (632)8462177 or send an e-mail to [email protected].