3 dead, 3 injured in motorcycle accidents

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Three motorcycle drivers died while three others were injured in two separate motorcycle road accidents in Negros Occidental in the past two days.

The most recent accident happened Monday at Barangay Jonob-Jonob, Escalante City, claiming the life of 31-year-old July Mata of Barangay Mabini.

His wife, Jacquelyn, 31 was injured.

Police Major Gil John Despi, city police chief, said the couple was on their way home when a tricycle driven by Archier Villaran, 40, of Barangay Mabini overtook another tricycle and allegedly collided with the motorcycle.

Despi said Villaran, a government employee was on his way to the City Hall to attend the regular Monday flag raising ceremony, when the accident happened.

“There’s a possibility that both vehicles were speeding,” he added.

Mata was declared dead on arrival at a hospital due to head injuries while his wife and Villaran are confined in a hospital here.

In Hinigaran town, a motorcycle collision happened at Barangay Bato last November 17, which resulted in the death of Jimel Maso, 21, of Barangay Aranda; and Romeo Pabillar of Barangay Tagda.

Wounded was Pabillar’s companion Jenel Donea, 32.

Police Major James Latayon, town police chief, said the victims were on their way home when Pabillar, whose motorcycle had a busted headlight, allegedly hit Maso’s motorcycle.

Maso and Pabillar were allegedly speeding when the collision happened at the dimly-lit portion of the road, he added.

Both motorcycle drivers succumbed to head injuries. They were also not wearing helmets, Latayon said.

Donea suffered multiple injuries and is still confined at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital here.