CEBU, Philippines — After losing his wife and three children in a road accident in Barangay Busay, Cebu City three days into the new year, Ernesto Salon vowed to pursue the criminal charges against the dump truck driver responsible for the deaths of his loved ones.
Salon said he will not withdraw the charges despite Whelmir Embudo’s plea for forgiveness, claiming that nobody wanted the accident to happen.
Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, serious physical injuries, and damage to property were already filed against Embudo, who is currently out on bail after posting P100,000 bail bond for his temporary liberty.
"Dili lalim ang upat ka miyembro sa akong pamilya, upat ka kinabuhi ang gipatay. Padayon ang kaso aron masilotan siya anang iyang gibuhat," Salon said.
(It’s not easy to lose four members of my family. I will pursue the case to hold him responsible for what happened)
Salon lost his wife Alona, 47, and his three children—Jason, 23, who was driving the motorcycle; Erica, 16; and Jay, 12—in a road accident on January 3, 2021.
The victims came from a resort in the upland barangay of Babag, Cebu City where they had their new year outing and were on their way home when the dump truck driven by Embudo ploughed the motorcycle they were riding in Sitio Hoyohoy, Barangay Busay.
Embudo claimed the dump truck lost its brakes while negotiating a slope in Sitio Hoyohoy and ended up ramming the motorcycle in front.
Jay died on the spot while Alona and Erica were declared dead upon arrival at the Cebu City Medical Center. Jason was still alive when brought to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries several hours later.
Salon, a driver himself, advised all the drivers to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before plying into the streets to avoid fatal accidents. — FPL (FREEMAN)