By Xianne Arcangel
Daniel Espinosa, the driver of the passenger bus that killed veteran journalist and University of the Philippines professor Lourdes Estella-Simbulan on May 13, voluntarily surrendered in Davao City Thursday night.
Police Superintendent George Regis of the Quezon City Police District said in a press conference in Camp Karingal Friday that Espinosa turned himself in at the house of Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
Espinosa arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Saturday midnight on board a Philippine Airlines flight from Davao.
He will be brought straight to the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office to formally receive the copy of the complaints filed against him before Assistant Prosecutor Irene Resurreccion.
Espinosa is charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property and abandonment of one’s own victim. He faces up to six years in prison if he is convicted.
Regis said the bus driver can no longer be detained because he voluntarily surrendered and there is no existing warrant for his arrest.
The officer said the bus driver decided to turn himself in because the bounty placed on his head caused him to fear for his life.
The Metro Manila Development Authority has offered a P100,000 reward for Espinosa’s capture. Regis said, however, that the amount has been raised to P200, 000.
