Air Force reservist dies in accident

CEBU, Philippines - A military man was killed and another man was badly injured in a vehicular accident involving a motorcycle and an Isuzu Fuego vehicle at the intersection of General Maxilom Avenue and M.J. Cuenco Avenue, barangay Carreta, Cebu City yesterday at about 4:15 in the morning.

The Isuzu Fuego bearing plate number WRV 921 was driven by Philippine Army Private First Class Rachelle Semblante, 29, a native of Bukidnon and personnel of the Armed Forces in the Philippines (AFP) Central Command (Centcom).

Air force reservist Bernie Depositario, a native of Cadiz, Negros, Occidental died on the spot due to his massive head injury while motorcycle driver Sergeant Tito Villena, 34, a native of Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro suffered from a head injury and a fracture in his right leg.

Villena was taken to the Central Command hospital in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Lahug, Cebu City.

The two were stay-in personnel at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City.

The Kawasaki motorcycle bearing plate number GK 5347 driven by Villena was traveling from uptown Cebu City and was about to make a left turn at M.J. Cuenco Ave. towards Mandaue City when the accident happened.

Semblante was coming from barangay Pasil and was about to cross Gen. Maxilom Ave. when she hit the motorcycle. She was traveling along M.J. Cuenco Ave. and was bound for Centcom.

Police Officer 2 Edgardo Decoy, Cebu City Traffic Operation Management investigator, said Villena was traveling on high speed and was not able to apply his brakes.

Decoy said the motorcycle was rammed by the Isuzu Fuego.

The impact damaged the left side portion of the Isuzu Fuego and deformed the front portion of the motorcycle.

The Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) pronounced Depositario dead while Villena was rushed to a private hospital and later transferred to the Central Command hospital.

Semblante was temporarily detained at the Cebu City Traffic Operation Management stockade.

A settlement will be made between the officials of both units and the sister of the victim. (FREEMAN)