Priest detained over road mishap

CEBU, Philippines — A 45-year-old diocesan priest was detained in Santa Fe Police Station after he allegedly rammed two motorcycles and left three individuals injured along the provincial road in Barangay Pooc, Santa Fe, Cebu on Thursday, November 7.

The police, however, released Rev. Father Rhanmar Ragmac Singuran at 4 p.m. yesterday after no formal complaint was filed against him.

Police Corporal Raffy Joventud, of Santa Fe Police Station, said they were compelled to release the priest because the reglementary period of detention had already lapsed. Joventud added that one of the victims also agreed to an amicable settlement.

"Ang usa naa na silay settlement agreement...Ang usa ni express na mo file sila’g kaso pero hangtod karon wala paman unya reglementary period naman, so amo nalang gi-release jud," Joventud told The Freeman.

Fr. Singuran, a resident of Barangay Argawanon, San Remigio, is assigned in Bantayan town.

Initial investigation revealed that the priest allegedly rammed the two motorcycles ahead of him while driving his car along the provincial road. The incident resulted in the serious injuries of Bill Maicor Salino, 24, resident of Purok Sudlon, Barangay Suba, Bantayan; Anthony Pacinio, 45, of Barangay Maricaban, Santa Fe, and his passenger Mary Kim Kristine Espinosa Pacinio, 21.

Reports had it that the priest may have been driving under the influence of liquor. Joventud, however, said the priest denied he was intoxicated. According to the police, the priest claimed he has been suffering from stress lately.

Joventud said Singuran partially made a settlement payment of P110,000 to Salino who sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he is saddened by the incident but urged the public not to quickly judge the priest.

"In principle unta ayaw paghusga kay di man gud ta sayod sa sirkumstansiya. Kung kinsa may responsable dapat tubagon niya ang consequence," said Palma.