Driver in Iloilo Road Crash That Killed Three Released

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The young driver involved in a road crash that killed three women in Cabatuan, Iloilo has been released from police custody.

Capt. Aileen Lacrite, chief of the Cabatuan police, said the driver, identified only by the alias “Gero,” was freed after his family reached an amicable settlement with the victims’ families.

Three women died after being struck by a Nissan Almera driven by the 20-year-old, who reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on June 14 in Barangay Pungtod, Cabatuan.

Police identified the victims by the aliases Berta, 72, and Fely, 58, both from Cabatuan, and Heidi, 59, from Lambunao.

Berta’s family initially filed a case against Gero but later submitted an affidavit of withdrawal.

The families of Fely and Heidi also executed affidavits stating they had no interest in pursuing criminal charges.

Reports said Berta and Fely were walking along the roadside, while Heidi was collecting plastic bottles, when they were hit.

The driver was reportedly heading home to Maasin after coming from Pavia.

Gero claimed he had been preparing for his oral thesis defense and fell asleep behind the wheel.

He allegedly tried to steer the car back onto the road but had already hit the three women.

The victims were taken to Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival.