• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Indian national, who was driving the red Toyota Innova vehicle that triggered a multiple vehicle accident on Good Friday (April 18) in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City, is facing multiple charges.
In a press briefing Saturday, P/Col. Joeresty Coronica, director of the Bacolod City Police Office, said that Jagpret Singh, 37, also tested positive in the liquor test.
Three persons died while 17 others were injured, including 14 confined in three hospitals, among them another Indian national, who is a passenger of the first vehicle.
Three persons, two of whom are policemen, also sustained slight injuries.
Initial investigation showed the vehicle driven by Singh collided with the Rusi motorcycle with a sidecar driven by Dionelo Solano, 66, a lay minister, with four passengers.
The motorcycle split in half, hitting a police patrol vehicle leading a religious procession on the way to a church in Barangay Alangilan, a blue Isuzu multicab truck, and some of the devotees.
Solano died on the spot while barangay tanod Gilven Tanique died at the hospital. Daynah Plohinog, a student of La Consolacion College-Bacolod, died April 19.
Coronica said that Singh, with the four other Indian nationals, attempted to escape but were arrested about a kilometer from the accident scene.
In a media interview, Singh apologized to the families of the victims, saying that he did not purposely cause the accident, and also denying that he drank alcohol.
Meanwhile, expressing his sympathies to the families of the victims and praying for the swift recovery of the injured persons, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez ordered the traffic and law enforcement units to ensure that a strong case will be filed against the suspect.
Coronica said that Singh will face charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to properties as well as for violation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
The Diocese of Bacolod is also mourning the death of Solano, Tanique, and Plohinog.
In a statement, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said the diocese “stands in solidarity with all the affected families, especially those of the deceased”.
“We are deeply grieved by the tragic incident. We are offering our prayers, support, and compassion in this time of mourning. We continue to pray for those who were injured, that they may find healing and quick recovery,” he added. | GB
