Intel cop vying for promotion killed in road mishap

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A police officer who was vying for promotion was killed in a motorcycle accident at Crossing Roman, Barangay Tabao Rizal, San Enrique, Negros Occidental last Friday.

Police identified the victim as Patrolman Israel Mahilum, 35, of Binalbagan town, an intelligence operative assigned to Pontevedra Municipal Police Station.

Major Leo Estopa, San Enrique town police chief, said the victim was on his way home after coming from Iloilo City to process his application for promotion.

However, it is believed that Mahilum fell asleep while driving his motorcycle due to exhaustion.

According to a witness, the victim was already swerving before he crashed into the railings at the roadside.

The victim suffered head injuries, despite wearing a helmet. He was declared dead in a hospital, Estopa said.

Estopa said the victim’s valuables, including his police uniform, identification cards, and service firearm .9mm Taurus with a magazine loaded with 14 live ammunition were recovered.

Meanwhile, a motorcycle rider died after he hit a sports utility vehicle (SUV) at Bangga Tinago, Circumferential Road, Barangay Alijis here last Friday.

Police identified the victim as Regie Juntarciego, 27, of the said village.

According to the police, the victim was on his way to work in Barangay Handumanan here, when he hit a portion of the vehicle that was about to execute a U-turn in the area.

The victim was thrown off his motorcycle and suffered head injuries that caused his death, police said.