Priest thrown into river for refusing to give money

CEBU, Philippines - A 75-year-old priest sustained injuries after he was pulled out of the tricycle he was riding and thrown into the river by the driver he hired last Sunday afternoon in Carmen town. 

PO2 Jerome Quemque told The Freeman that Rev. Father Nicholas Batucan took the tricycle in Rallos Street, Barangay Poblacion at past 5 p.m. for Barangay Kamalig-Bato in neighboring Danao City.

It was only a matter of time when Batucan noticed that the driver was going in circles. When they finally reached Barangay Dawis Norte, still in Carmen, at past 7 p.m., the vehicle stopped suddenly and the driver demanded for his money.

When Batucan refused, the driver reportedly got angry, went down the motorcycle and pulled the priest forcefully out of the cab. He then pushed him into the river nearby. 

Quemque said the priest was lucky that the river was not deep.

“Giliko-liko na siya sa wrong way sir, unya gipangayoan nag kwarta wa man na siya mohatag gibunlot, gitukmod sa sapa… Di man hinoun kaayo lawom ang sapa sir, nagaras ra, bun-og ra gamay,” he said.

Investigation is ongoing to determine the driver’s identity. Quemque said the driver is facing charges of attempted robbery and intimidation. (FREEMAN)