Soldier killed in collision with bus

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A soldier was killed when his motorcycle collided with a Ceres Liner bus in Crossing Ambush, Barangay Manalad, Ilog, Negros Occidental, last Saturday.

The victim was identified as Private First Class John Leo Saldua, 33, of Bago City, who was assigned to the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Cauayan town.

Police Lieutenant Rygie Pigar, deputy chief of Ilog Municipal Police Station, said the victim was allegedly speeding on his way to work around 6:30 a.m.

Based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage, Pigar said the victim lost control while traversing a curved road and overshot into the lane of the bus, causing a head-on collision.

Pigar said the victim was reportedly dragged a few meters and was believed to have gone under the bus.

The victim suffered severe head injuries and died on the spot, according to Pigar. He noted that the victim was not wearing a helmet.

Pigar stated that the bus was traveling to Bacolod when the accident occurred. No passengers were harmed.

The 32-year-old bus driver was released from police custody after the 18-hour reglementary detention, Pigar added.

He said the victim’s family and the bus company management have yet to meet.