Two Rookie Cops Die in Separate Motorcycle Crashes

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two rookie policemen were killed in separate vehicular incidents on July 5.

The victims were identified only by their aliases—Melvin, 28, of the 2nd Antique Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Kyle, 28, of the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, who was detailed at the Ajuy Municipal Police Station.

Both held the rank of patrolman.

Melvin, a resident of Barangay Culasi, Ajuy, Iloilo, figured in a road crash at around 4:01 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Duyong, Pandan, Antique.

He was driving a Suzuki Raider 150 motorcycle with a certain Carlito as his backrider.

Reports said the motorcycle encroached the opposite lane and collided with a Mitsubishi Strada pickup driven by a certain Gerald, 47, of Barangay Ungka II, Pavia, Iloilo.

Melvin and Carlito were traveling from Barangay Guia, Pandan, to Carlito’s home in Barangay Lindero, Libertad, Antique, when the collision occurred.

Melvin sustained a head injury and fractures on both knees.

Carlito also suffered a fracture on his left leg.

The pickup driver was physically unharmed.

Melvin and Carlito were taken to Justice Calixto O. Zaldivar Memorial Hospital in Pandan but were later referred to Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo, Aklan.

Melvin was declared dead at 11:20 p.m. the same day.

Meanwhile, Kyle, a resident of Barangay Carmelo, Banate, Iloilo, was involved in a crash at 10 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Malayu-an, Ajuy, Iloilo.

Police reports said he struck a road sign placed in the center of the road.

He then overshot onto a section of road under construction.

He was brought to Sara District Hospital but died shortly after.

Ajuy police chief Capt. John Michael Dalipe said the area was dimly lit and Kyle may not have seen the ongoing construction.

He was also not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.

Another police patrolman also died in a road crash earlier on July 2 along JV Jocson Street in Barangay Dulonan, Arevalo, Iloilo City.

The victim, identified as alias Jhonel, 31, was a member of the 1st Antique Provincial Mobile Force Company and a resident of Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

He died after his motorcycle collided with a passenger jeepney.