Roxas City hit-and-run incidents settled

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Victims of two separate hit-and-run incidents on Saturday evening, May 23, on Roxas Avenue and on Sunday night in Barangay Dayao, both in Roxas City, have settled the cases amicably after submitting affidavits of non-interest to file charges against the drivers.

Police identified the tricycle driver as Melbert Altamia, 31, and his passengers as Rey Alucada, 17; Tito Caberto, 54; and two minors aged 10 and 11, all residents of Barangay Dinginan, Roxas City.

The five were injured and are confined in a hospital here for treatment.

Police said the truck driver, alias Toto, voluntarily surrendered to authorities and promised to shoulder the expenses of the five victims.

Meanwhile, another tricycle driven by alias “Christian,” 19, with his sister, alias “Jessa,” 14, both of Barangay Mongpong, Roxas City, was also hit by another truck on Roxas Avenue.

The victims executed an affidavit of non-interest in favor of Alvin Vista, 40, of Barangay Cabugao-Este, Panay, Capiz.

Investigation by the Roxas City police showed that the two victims were on their way home from Barangay Baybay on board a Suzuki Smash motorcycle with a sidecar or food cart when they were accidentally hit by a white six-wheeler boom truck along Roxas Avenue.

The truck also hit a Ford Everest parked along Roxas Avenue and owned by alias “Arthur,” 46, of Barangay Tanza, Roxas City.

Vista fled after the incident out of fear of being mobbed by bystanders, despite being chased by some of them.

Police Lt. Col. Rogelio Tumagtang, officer-in-charge of the Roxas City Police Station, said the boom truck driver was arrested seven hours after the incident through a hot pursuit operation conducted by police.

The driver was released from the custody of the Roxas City police after he promised to pay all hospital bills and expenses incurred for the victims’ vehicle and tricycle.

The police chief said charges for serious physical injuries and damage to property would be filed against the truck driver if he fails to settle the incident.