Rider killed, three injured in Cabatuan road crash

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A motorcycle rider was killed, and three others were injured following a vehicular incident early in the evening of August 25 in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

The victim was identified as Ronnie Mucas, 43, of Barangay Duyan-Duyan, Cabatuan. His backrider, sister-in-law Nelisa Mucas, also from Duyan-Duyan, was injured in the incident.

Captain Dionisio Estacio, Cabatuan police chief, reported that tricycle driver Josie Cerada, 45, of Barangay Gaub, Cabatuan, and his passenger, 68-year-old Romulo Pedrola, were also injured.

Ronnie and Nelisa were traveling from Duyan-Duyan to Barangay Tabucan when the collision occurred in Gaub.

Cerada allegedly overtook another vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and crashed into the oncoming motorcycle.

Estacio mentioned that investigators are checking whether Ronnie and Nelisa were wearing protective helmets, as none were found at the scene.

Ronnie and the other injured individuals were rushed to Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan, while Nelisa was taken to Roman Tirador Memorial District Hospital in Janiuay town.

However, Ronnie died while undergoing treatment.

Pedrola sustained only minor injuries and was discharged after receiving treatment.

Estacio noted that Cerada might face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and serious physical injury.