Madrigal figures in car accident

CEBU, Philippines - “When it rains, it pours.”

This statement best describes the situation that beleaguered Capitol Chief Security Officer Loy Anthony Madrigal is currently in.

While still in the midst of a scandal for allegedly having an illicit affair with his married secretary, Madrigal is facing yet another problem after his government-issued vehicle figured in an accident Sunday evening in Bogo City, killing one person while another is in critical condition.

The incident prompted Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III to announce his plan to place Madrigal under 15-day preventive suspension.

The suspension, however, may come after Madrigal’s 20-day leave starting today.

Madrigal’s Mitsubishi pickup with plate number SJC 600 hit couple Felix and Marites Mirambel at 8:20 p.m. in Barangay Don Pedro, Bogo City.

The victims on board a motorcycle came from Medellin and were on their way home to Barangay Taytayan, Bogo City when the accident happened. The couple sustained severe head injuries and was first rushed to the provincial hospital in Bogo City. They were later transferred to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center where the husband died yesterday. The wife is said to be in critical condition.

PO3 Edwin Dignos of Bogo City Police Station said that based on the initial investigation conducted by PO3 George Ocina the vehicle of Madrigal was driven by Alberto Naraja, 45, of Barangay Canagahan, San Remigio.

Chief Inspector Germano Mallari, Bogo City Police Station chief, said Madrigal told him that they were on their way to conduct an anti-illegal fishing operation when the accident happened.

Interviewed over CCTN’s Sayri 47 news program, Mallari admitted he did not take into custody Madrigal’s driver. The driver was not also subjected to a liquor test.

Few hours before the accident, Madrigal reported to San Remigio Police Station about the presence of two suspicious motorcycle-riding men in front of his house in Barangay Canagahan.

SPO1 Wilfredo Bunado told The Freeman over the phone that Madrigal reported the alleged suspicious persons at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday.

Bunado said that the suspicious persons were allegedly armed.

“Ang allegation, gusto manaog ang back rider ‘nya mipadayon ang driver, nakakita siya (Madrigal) nga naay handgun (ang driver) atubangan sa ilang balay sa bukirang barangay,” Bunado said.

Madrigal went on a 20-day leave starting today after he was accused of having an affair with his secretary.—/FPL   (FREEMAN)