Man dies as his motorcycle hits car of mayor

CEBU, Philippines - A 23-year-old man died when the motorcycle he was riding hit a vehicle owned by Tuburan Mayor Democrito Diamante Jr. in Barangay Tabunok, Tabuelan town Sunday afternoon.

Janrel Flores of Barangay Ga-ang, Tuburan was pronounced dead on arrival at the Tuburan District Hospital due to severe body injuries.

Initial investigation revealed that Flores, who was driving his motorcycle, suddenly overtook another motorcycle and accidentally hit the left portion of Diamante’s Land Cruiser around 6:30 p.m.

PO1 Jerome Millor, operations in charge of Tabuelan Police Station, told The FREEMAN that Roel Jore Lopez, 41, driver of the Land Cruiser, said that he was driving on his way to Barangay Tabunok when Flores’ motorcycle suddenly hit his vehicle.

Because of the impact, the left front wheel of the Land Cruiser exploded, forcing it to turn around and hit a sari-sari store owned by Rhea Ruelo and Remidios Ruelo, who both sustained minor injuries.

“Maygani abtik nilikay ang mga nangaon sa tindahan” Millor said.

Flores was immediately brought to Tuburan District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Lopez, a resident of Sitio Punta, Barangay 8, voluntarily surrendered at the Tabuelan Police Station.

“Ang tag-iya sa maong Land Cruiser mao ang mayor sa Tuburan nga si Mayor Democrito Diamante nga nag out-of-town ana’ng adlawa,” he added

Millor said they found out that Flores has no driver’s license and his motorcycle has no headlight and plate number.

Lopez was released after Diamante promised to give assistance to Flores’ family and pay for the damages of the store.  (FREEMAN)