3 men killed in motorbike accident

MANILA, Philippines - Three men died when the motorcycle they were riding collided with a taxi along C-5 Road in Pasig City at past midnight yesterday.

A report by the city police’s Traffic Management Unit stated that Rey Mark Pontay was driving a Kawasaki motorcycle (6064-OC) along C-5 Road’s southbound lane in Barangay Bagong Ilog when he lost control of the motorcycle as he approached a flyover.

The motorcycle hit the center island and ended up in the northbound lane. Witnesses said the motorcycle rammed a taxi (TXU-971) driven by Michael Ugpay, 24.

Pontay and his companions, Daryl Ramirez and Aldrin Visbal, were thrown off the motorcycle. The report stated that two of the victims died on the spot while the third was declared dead on arrival at the Rizal Medical Center.

Ugpay, who surrendered to the police, said it was too late for him to avoid the motorcycle, which was rushing toward him.

Investigators said they are preparing to charge Ugpay with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide.

Senior Superintendent Mario Rariza, city police chief, ordered an investigation to determine why the victims were not wearing helmets and whether they were drunk at the time.