Trike driver killed in hit-and-run

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

A tricycle driver was sideswiped and dragged to his death by a van early morning of Jan. 21, 2020 in Pototan, Iloilo.

Pio Petisme Jr., 52, of F. Parcon Ward, Pototan, died instantly in the incident, authorities said.

Police Major Ronnie Brillo, Pototan police chief, said the accident happened in front of the West Visayas State University-Pototan campus.

Camera footage showed that a speeding van tried to overtake the tricycle. But the van driver may have miscalculated his distance and speed and sideswiped a part of the tricycle.

Due to the impact, the victim got stuck in the van’s front bumper and was dragged for more or less 600 meters.

Brillo said the victim’s body was later retrieved at Barangay Batuan after the van made a right turn.

The CCTV also showed the van passenger opening the window to check something but the driver did not stop to help the victim.

The victim was discarded along with the van’s registration plate. It appeared that the van was a green Hyundai based on the plate number recovered from the area.

Brillo said they’re still checking other CCTV footages in areas where the van could have passed through.

For any person who has knowledge of the incident, they can coordinate with Pototan PNP via Messenger or through its hotline 09985986225.