Minor dies in motorcycle accident

CEBU, Philippines - A third year high school student died after he was hit by a speeding motorcycle while walking on the national highway of Barangay Libjo, Tabogon coming from a basketball tournament last Sunday shortly before evening.

Rodulfo Mamacang, 17, was declared dead on arrival at the Bogo Provincial Hospital where he was rushed due to serious injuries in different parts of his body.

The driver of the motorcycle, Rowel Tautho, 24, of Upland, Danao City, who fled right after the incident, was arrested by the police last Monday afternoon after his whereabouts was traced.

Police investigation revealed that Mamacang, a basketball player, was walking home after playing in a basketball tournament when he suddenly crossed the street unaware of the approaching motorcycle.

Tautho and his companion, who were on board his red-colored Suzuki Smash motorcycle bearing plate number 2872-OS, were heading south when Tautho hit Mamacang causing them to fall off the motorcycle.

PO2 Ronnie Alivio, of the Tabogon Police Station, said those who were onboard the motorcycle reportedly sustained minor injuries but managed to leave the scene.

“Iyang (victim) mama na ang nagdala sa hospital kay gibiyaan ra man sa dalan wala gani gibalik, (The victim’s mother was the one who brought him to the hospital because he was just left on the road.)” Alivio said.

After the incident, Tautho hurriedly fled on foot assisted by his companion leaving their motorcycle behind. It later served as the evidence that led the police to the suspect.

The Tabogon police checked the plate number of the motorcycle at the Land Transportation Office which led them to Tautho who was later arrested.

A case for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide was filed at the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against Tautho who is detained at the Tabogon stockade.—(FREEMAN)