LTO probes South Korean for Clark gas station mishap

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has ordered an investigation of a South Korean man who crashed his vehicle into a gasoline station, triggering a fire, at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga on Thursday.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II yesterday said initial investigation showed the South Korean, identified as Sunbin Yim, works in a casino in Clark and has reportedly been on leave since Oct. 19.

Before crashing into a fuel pump, the foreigner ran over a motorcycle with two security guards on board, who were chasing him along C.M. Recto Highway at the freeport.

Before the chase, a firefighter reportedly saw Sunbin naked in the car parked near the fire station of Clark Development Corp. The firefighter sought the help of the CDC guards.

The suspect has been arrested and charged with attempted homicide, malicious mischief and grave scandal.

Mendoza said the LTO investigation would determine if the foreigner has a Philippine driver’s license. 

“If he has a Philippine driver’s license, I will personally make sure that he will be punished according to our rules and regulations,” Mendoza said.

He said he directed the LTO-Central Luzon to issue a show-cause order against Sunbin and the registered owner of the vehicle the suspect was driving.