5 dead, 5 injured in road crashes

Rescuers assist a man who was allegedly hit by a sports utility vehicle at Barangay Taloc, Bago City, Negros Occidental Monday. (Photo courtesy of Bago City Police Station)

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Five persons were killed while five others were injured in separate road accidents here and in Negros Occidental in the past two days.

Last October 21, tricycle driver Minandro Delejero died while his three passengers – Rose Mae Dequilla, Berjenia Delejero, and Ceily Mae Javelosa, all residents of Brgy, Estefania here – were injured after they figured in a collision with a rented sports utility vehicle (SUV) at Burgos extension at Brgy. Estefania here.

Police Lieutenant Rondyl Tapang, head of Police Station 4, said the victims were on their way to work when the alleged speeding SUV hit them. The SUV driver fled.

Tapang said the SUV driver, who was later identified as Eli Ong, 47, of Brgy. Tangub surrendered to the police that night.

Tapang said Ong alleged that he felt nervous and scared that’s why he fled after what happened. He also alleged that he dozed off while driving the vehicle on his way home.

Tapang said Ong is detained at the said police station while police are still waiting for the decision of the family for the filing of charges.

In Bago City, Andrelo Estares, 52, of San Enrique town also died that day after he was allegedly hit by a motorcycle at Barangay Taloc.

Police Major John Joel Batusbatusan, city police chief, said an alleged speeding SUV driven by Gie Espartero, 31, of Barangay Lag-asan hit the victim who suddenly crossed the street.

The victim suffered injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

Espartero was released from police custody after an initial settlement with the victim’s family.

In Talisay City, Joselito Barrios of Escalante City; and Jovanie Dablo of Sagay City were dead after the motorcycle they were riding fell on a bridge when they allegedly overtook a passenger jeepney at Barangay Zone 15 last October 20.

Their companion Mark Anthony Barbella, 37, of Barangay Bubog was injured in the accident.

Meanwhile, Vicente Pajarito, 27, of Barangay Concepcion, Talisay City died after he was allegedly hit by a motorcycle driven by Rexan Casalda, 29, of Barangay Caduha-an, Cadiz City, in Talisay City last Sunday.

Police records showed that Casalda was tailing Pajarito who was riding a bicycle when the motorcycle hit and dragged the latter which caused his immediate death.