Man killed in highway accident
CEBU, Philippines — A 67-year-old man died after he was hit by a government vehicle assigned to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office yesterday morning.
Rodrigo Somobay, resident of San Roque, Talisay City, was hit by the Toyota Hilux when he suddenly crossed the highway.
“Gikan siya og kanang mura’g bridge man siguro na. Unya going down, unya nikalit lang siya og labang,” said PDRRMO head Baltazar Tribunalo.
Somobay was believed to be on his way to throw garbage at the bridge. The victim was rushed to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) where he died at past 8 a.m. yesterday.
Nicholas Matugas, 48, driver of the vehicle and a casual employee of the Capitol, surrendered to Talisay City Police Station.
Matugas was driving PDRRMO spokesperson Julius Regner and four other staff — Juvy Ibersabal, Rose Placencia, Labermia Velez, and Wela Ybas — to attend a meeting in Ronda when the accident happened.
“Official to siya nga biyahe,” Tribunalo said.
Tribunalo also defended his staff and vouched for Matugas as a good driver. He said that the driver did not have any derrogatory record in the office.
“Matud pa sa istorya kay downhill man na, unya nigawas lang og kalit ang tiguwang intawon,” Tribunalo said.
He said the provincial government will extend financial assistance to the family of the victim.
“Whatever support sa province, official man, ang province mo-extend gyud ta kay wa gyud na tuyoa,” Tribunalo said.
He said the Capitol has already given an initial assistance.
“Gasto sa kada gabii, initial gihatag, naa pud mosunod nga whatever, ug mapahimutang lang tawon si manong,” said Tribunalo.
The driver, however, will remain in the custody of the police pending the result of the investigation. (FREEMAN)
- Latest
