The police filed multiple cases against an Indian national before the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, April 21, for the death of three and the injury of 16 at a Good Friday procession in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City, PCol. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, said.
Inquest proceedings were underway late Monday, he said.
Charges for reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property were filed against Jagpreet Singh, 37, Coronica said.
Coronica said claims that Singh was not the driver of the Toyota Innova that hit a tricycle at the procession that resulted in the tragedy are not true.
The police have witnesses who positively identified Singh as the driver, he said.
One witness was at the procession when the vehicle of Singh hit the tricycle, and the other witness saw him disembark from the driver’s seat, Coronica said.
Lay Minister Jonel Solano, 66, barangay tanod Gilven Tanique, 62, and student Daynah Plohinog, 21, who were on board the tricycle died.
Coronica said Singh tested positive for the use of alcohol so separate charges will be filed against him for driving under the influence of liquor.
Singh was in police custody on Monday but could be released if he posted bail.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the city government provided immediate medical assistance to the victims.
“It is an unfortunate tragic event so we will help the victims of the accident as much as we can ,” Benitez said.
The City Health Office is also providing psychological therapy to the victims and procession participants who witnessed the incident on Tuesday.
Benitez said they are also investigating if the suspect is legally residing in the country and if his money lending business is legitimate.*