Former kagawad killed in Panitan hit-and-run

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A former barangay kagawad died after he was hit by a car Thursday evening, May 7, at Sitio Danao, Barangay Tabuc Sur, Panitan, Capiz.

Police identified the victim as Jeck Dollete, 66, of Sitio Kapanang and a former barangay kagawad of Barangay Agkilo, also in Panitan.

The driver of the car was identified as Constantino Dumagpi, of legal age and a resident of Barangay Lawaan, Roxas City.

An investigation by the Panitan Municipal Police Station indicated that Dumagpi was on his way home from Pontevedra to Roxas City around 8:45 p.m. aboard his Toyota Avanza when he accidentally hit Dollete, who was fixing the chain of his motorcycle.

Because of the strong impact, Dollete was thrown, and his head hit an electric post of the Capiz Electric Cooperative.

The victim was immediately assisted by the Panitan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and brought to Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The driver, instead of helping the victim, sped off and fled toward Roxas City.

Police immediately alerted nearby municipal police stations about the possible areas where the suspect might pass.

Police said the suspect was first spotted in Ivisan and later in Barangay Lawaan, Roxas City, where he was arrested by authorities.

The suspect is presently under the custody of the Panitan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, two drivers and two passengers were injured when a motorcycle and a tricycle figured in a collision Thursday evening in Barangay Cogon, Panay, Capiz.

Police identified the tricycle driver as alias “Rex,” 45, of Rizal Street, Roxas City, who had eight passengers, all from Barangay Punta Tabuc, Roxas City.

The motorcycle driver was identified as alias “Rodolfo,” 61, of Barangay Anhawon, Panay, Capiz.

An investigation by the Panay Municipal Police Station showed that while the tricycle was carrying passengers, the motorcycle driven by Rodolfo swerved into another lane, resulting in a collision with the tricycle.

The four injured victims were brought to a hospital by bystanders and are presently in good condition.

Police are investigating the incident.