Baquerfo rebuffs hit-and-run messages

CEBU, Philippines - Tudela Mayor Rogelio Baquerfo yesterday denied reports that he and his driver sped away after hitting a man on the road in barangay Southern Poblacion evening last Friday.

In an interview with dySS, Baquerfo said that contrary to reports circulating in text messages, he and his driver did not leave the man on the road wounded. He said the man was just hit on the leg and is now out of danger.

He also reportedly gave a P10,000 financial assistance to the victim and helped in transferring him to a hospital in Cebu City.

The victim, identified as Leonardo Esquero, 23, fractured his leg when he was accidentally hit by the van ridden by Baquerfo and driven by Cesario Garciano. The mayor was heading home from a culminating party of an event organized in barangay Southern Poblacion.

Esquero is a resident of Poro town in the main island of Camotes.

Insp. Wilfredo Giducos also said no hit and run occurred, as the driver was detained and the van was held immediately after the incident. Giducos said they received information that Esquero was reportedly drunk at that time and did not notice the vehicle coming.

Giducos said it now depends on Esquero’s family whether or not to pursue a case. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)