Multiple cases will be filed on Monday, April 21, against an Indian national whose vehicle slammed into a tricycle in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City, during a Good Friday procession leaving three dead, and 16 injured.
They are filing the multiple cases against Jagpreet Singh, 37, Lt. Col. Ramel Sarona, Traffic Management Unit (TMU) head, said on Sunday, April 20.
Singh, who remains in police custody, will be charged for reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property, Sarona said.
The Toyota Innova driven by Singh, who tested positive for the use of alcohol, hit a tricycle at the Good Friday procession causing it to split in half. One half of the tricycle flew and landed on the hood of a police patrol car and the other half hit procession participants, the police said.
Lay Minister Jonel Solano, 66, barangay tanod Gilven Tanique, 62, and student Daynah Plohinog, 21, who were on board the tricycle died.
Plohinog, a procession participant who fainted, was being rushed by Solano and Tanique for medical assistance.
Thirteen other procession participants were hospitalized, while three others with minor injuries were outpatients, PCol. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, said on Saturday.
Two policemen were among those slightly injured.
Sarona said some of those who were hospitalized had been discharged during the weekend.
Singh, with four other Indian nationals on board the Toyota Innova, attempted to escape on Friday night following the accident but were arrested by the police, Coronica said.
Because the Toyota Innova was damaged during the accident it stopped one kilometer away from the crime scene and they ran away on foot and tried to hide but were apprehended, he said.
The driver’s having escaped is an aggravating circumstance that would increase his penalty, Coronica said.
The Indian national has been residing in Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City, and the police are checking with the Bureau of Immigration if his stay in the country is legal, Coronica said.
The police said the Indian nationals on board the Toyota Innova were allegedly into the money lending business.
Singh denied that he was under the influence of liquor and that he was driving fast at the time of the accident.
The Indian national said he is sorry to the families of those who died, and those who were injured, he did not purposely cause the accident and did not wish it to happen.
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Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Saturday said the city government is providing immediate medical assistance to the injured and burial assistance to the families of the three who died.
“I have asked our traffic and law enforcement units to ensure that a strong case is filed and that justice is served,” he said.
Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon, who met with the families of the victims, said “We stand in solidarity with all the affected families, especially those of the deceased, offering our prayers, support, and compassion in this time of mourning”.*