Welder who "caused" fatal accident released

CEBU, Philippines - The man held responsible for the death of a construction worker following the explosion of a steel drum at a condominium project in Barangay Sta. Cruz last Thursday was already released from police custody.

This after Ernanie Bancale, wife of the fatality Rene Bancale (not Bangcale as earlier reported), manifested her intention not to file a criminal case against welder Joel Salingay, 49.

Homicide Section investigator PO3 Wetzel Berry said even though what happened was an accident, Salingay was still considered as a suspect because there was a lapse on his part as a worker.

Salingay was the one who cut the drum in half using a welding machine as requested by the victim.

“Pareha ra gud anang case nga ang driver makaligis og tawo na mokalit ba ron og tabok sa dalan. Actually both parties naa’y lapses,” Berry said.

If the fatality’s family intended to press charges, the police can file charge for recklessness resulting to homicide against Salingay, Berry said.

However, Ernanie, 33, submitted an affidavit of desistance subscribed before lawyer Rene Abcede Jr. on Friday.

“After reflection on the incident, I was convinced that the incident was purely accidental and non-intentional,” Ernanie’s affidavit read.

“That as a consequence, I hereby refrain/desist in filing of any criminal case against Joel Uyamot Salingay now and hereinafter, as bolstered by the fact that the company RF Catli will help the burial expenses of my husband,” her affidavit further read.

Police said Salingay was released from their custody as of 11:30 a.m. last Friday.

Bancale, 34, a resident of Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City and employed by RF Catli Construction, died after the lid of the drum tore into his chest.

The incident happened shortly before 3 p.m. on the 21st floor of the building being constructed. The victim was holding an empty drum while Salingay was trying to cut it in half when it suddenly exploded.

Berry said the drum, which previously contained methyl methacrylate monomer, a flammable chemical, was bought by the victim’s construction company about a week ago to be used as water containers. — (FREEMAN)