Suspect in Iloilo Crash Freed Amid Settlement Talks

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The suspect in a November 9 road accident in San Dionisio, Iloilo, has been released from detention after no charges were filed against him.

Captain Edward Villanis, San Dionisio police chief, said 26-year-old Tomy, from Calinog, Iloilo, was released from the San Dionisio PNP lock-up cell at 3:20 p.m. on November 11 after his regulatory detention period lapsed with no charges filed.

The victim’s family has indicated that they are open to discussing a possible out-of-court settlement with the suspect.

Villanis stated that lawyers from both sides met at the police station on November 12.

“We have yet to know if they have reached an agreement,” he said.

Villanis added that if an agreement is reached, the aggrieved party will need to have the victims’ next of kin sign an affidavit of non-interest.

“In this case, it would be the 20-year-old daughter and sister of the victims,” he said.

Khelsey Ann Asupra lost her stepfather, 64-year-old Artemio Arabe; her mother, 58-year-old Rosemarie; and her sister, 15-year-old Angelie Arane, in the incident.

The accident occurred around 7:10 p.m. on Saturday when a Toyota Hi-Lux pickup rear-ended their motorcycle.

The three victims were traveling to Carles town to attend a relative’s wake at the time of the crash.

The suspect reportedly dragged the victims’ motorcycle approximately 100 meters from the point of impact.

None of the victims were wearing helmets.

The victims were taken to Sara District Hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival.