Three individuals, including a 36-year-old teacher, died after two motorcycles collided head-on along the national highway near the Department of Public Works and Highways office in Brgy. Malabuhan, Siaton, Negros Oriental, on Sunday night, Aug. 24.
The police identified the teacher as Rolly Navarez Palagtiw, a resident of Sitio Candugay, Brgy. Casalaan, Siaton.
He was driving his Yamaha Sniper 150 motorcycle when it collided with a Skygo 125 driven by James Baldoza Mejio, 27, farmer and resident of the same barangay.
Mejio was traveling with passenger Aquino Lagrasa Paira, 54, also from Sitio Candugay.
Initial investigation showed that Palagtiw was heading south toward Bayawan City while Mejio’s motorcycle came from the opposite direction.
Police records showed that Mejio overtook a vehicle and swerved into the opposite lane, colliding with Palagtiw’s motorcycle.
The impact threw all three men onto the pavement, leaving them with severe injuries.
Responding rescue personnel rushed the victims to Cong. Lamberto L. Macias Memorial Hospital, where they were declared dead.
Both motorcycles sustained heavy damage and were brought to the Siaton Police Station for proper disposition.
The police said the fatal crash was caused by dangerous overtaking by Mejio.*