Indian National Faces Charges Over Bacolod Good Friday Crash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Police have filed criminal charges against a 37-year-old Indian national in connection with a Good Friday crash that killed three people and injured 17 others in Barangay Alangilan on April 18.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) submitted the complaint on Monday night, April 21, to the City Prosecutor’s Office against Jarpreet Singh, who has been residing in Barangay Villamonte for about 10 years.

Singh is facing multiple counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injuries and property damage, according to Police Lt. Col. Ramel Sarona, chief of the Traffic Enforcement Unit.

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, said the delay in filing was due to the time needed to gather affidavits from the victims.

Singh remains in police custody pending possible bail.

The accident claimed the lives of Dionelo Solano, 66, a lay minister; Gilven Tanique, a barangay tanod; and Daynah Plohinog, a college student from La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.

Of the 17 others injured—including an Indian passenger and two policemen—eight remain confined but in stable condition, Sarona said.

Coronica addressed social media claims suggesting Singh was not driving the vehicle that hit a tricycle and plowed into about 300 Catholic devotees during the religious procession.

In a press briefing Monday, Coronica said Singh was positively identified by two witnesses as the driver.

One witness was part of the procession, while another saw Singh exiting the driver’s seat after the vehicle was intercepted nearby, he said.

Coronica previously confirmed that Singh tested positive in a liquor test, though it has not been determined if he was legally intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Singh was accompanied by four Indian nationals when the accident occurred after they left a resort.

In an earlier interview, Singh expressed remorse and apologized for the incident.

Authorities have also coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration to verify Singh’s legal status in the country.