Driver in crash that killed journalist now in QCPD custody

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE 2) Bus driver Daniel Espinosa has chosen to place himself under the protection and security of the Quezon City Police District a day after he surrendered to authorities.

In a press conference past midnight Saturday, QCPD director Chief Superintendent George Regis said they were still looking for a comfortable temporary living quarters for Espinosa and his sister Nenita Jaum inside the QCPD headquarters in Camp Karingal.

The bus driver, who is facing charges for crashing into the taxi cab which was carrying veteran journalist Lourdes “Chit” Estella-Simbulan, will not be treated as a detainee but as a guest.

Regis said Espinosa is free to leave the camp as he pleases although the bus driver can request for police escorts.

As Espinosa gave himself up, he cannot be considered as “under arrest” as there was no arrest warrant out for him.

The Quezon City prosecutors’ office set the first hearing for the preliminary investigation on May 31 at 2 p.m.

Espinosa did not face the media, sending his lawyer Salvador Panelo to speak on his behalf.

Accompanied by his sister and police escort Senior Inspector Leonar Pamplona, Espinosa arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at 11:58 p.m. Friday from Davao City via Philippine Airlines.

He was originally scheduled to arrive at 1:40 p.m. but his plane encountered a mechanical problem. He was transferred to a later flight.

In an interview while still in Davao, Espinosa sought for forgiveness from the victim’s family for what he insisted was an accident.

According to him, he feared for his life so he immediately went to Davao City to go to his relatives.

A Universal Guiding Star bus driven by Espinosa rammed the rear of a taxi Estella-Simbulan was riding last May 13.