Young Teacher Dies in SUV Crash; Driver Allegedly Vice Mayor’s Son
Alexander Quintos Cruz, a 27-year-old senior high school teacher at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, died after his motorcycle was hit by an SUV at an intersection in Barangay Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, on June 13.
The crash, which was captured on CCTV, left him with severe brain injuries. He remained hospitalized for a week before passing away. According to his family, Alexander was on his way to meet friends for a planned trip to La Union when the accident occurred. His mother said he was a young teacher with a bright future who still had so much to contribute to his students and the community.
Police identified the SUV driver as 24-year-old David Alfred de Guzman, who was reportedly the son of Marikina City Vice Mayor Del de Guzman. Authorities said the driver tested positive for alcohol in a breath analyzer test conducted by the Land Transportation Office, indicating that he was allegedly under the influence when the collision occurred.
Alexander’s mother disputed claims that her son failed to use his turn signal before making the turn. She said CCTV footage showed him activating his turn signal well before reaching the intersection and making a proper left turn when the SUV crashed into his motorcycle, throwing him off the road.
She also claimed that another son of the vice mayor later met with the family and confirmed that the driver was his brother. She further alleged that the vice mayor contacted police officers handling the case during the investigation.
Following the crash, David Alfred de Guzman was arrested and charged with reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries and damage to property, as well as violating the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013. He was later released after posting bail. Following Alexander’s death, his family submitted his death certificate to the Marikina Hall of Justice to upgrade the charge to reckless imprudence resulting in homicide as the legal proceedings continue.