3 hurt as NCIP executive's car sideswipes 2 motorbikes

MANILA, Philippines - A commissioner of the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples under the Office of the President, in a hurry to witness the presidential canvass proceedings, sideswiped two motorcycles on his way to the House of Representatives Monday afternoon.

Police Officer 2 Diomedes Mampusti said Ronald Lapat Adamat, 53, surrendered voluntarily and admitted responsibility for the incident. Adamat was sectoral representative for cultural communities in the 10th Congress and is a member of the government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Romeo San Pascual was riding one of the motorcycles while Ricky Mustera and Brian San Jose rode the other. San Pascual sustained the more serious injuries.

Adamat was driving his red Honda CRV (JIN-168) along Batasan Road in Barangay Batasan Hills when the accident happened at past 2 p.m. Monday.

Adamat told police he was on his way to the House of Representatives to witness the national canvassing when San Pascual allegedly suddenly appeared as he turned right on a street beside the Quezon City Polytechnic College.

Adamat said he turned the wheel abruptly to avoid hitting San Pascual but hit Mustera and San Jose who were closely following San Pascual on the road.

Adamat said he is willing to help pay for the victims’ cost of treatment. He added that if the victims will pursue a case of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries, he will leave it up to his lawyers.

Mampusti said it remains with the victims whether to file the case against Adamat or settle the case amicably.