Tanker driver held for EDSA hit-and-run

MANILA, Philippines — The driver of an 18-wheeler fuel tanker that ran over and decapitated a motorcycle rider along the Bus Carousel lane near the EDSA-Shaw Boulevard underpass in Mandaluyong City was arrested on Thursday.

Geovanie Bermudez, 44, was apprehended by Mandaluyong police at a building along ADB Avenue after lawmen coordinated with his employer for his surrender, Pasig City at around 5 p.m., Eastern Police District director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta said in a text message.

Bermudez underwent inquest proceedings before the Mandaluyong prosecutor’s office on Friday for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and abandonment of one’s own victim.

Investigators said he drove the tanker that ran over motorcycle rider Mon Kiert Usi along the southbound lane of EDSA on Wednesday morning.

A 10-minute closed-circuit television footage provided by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority showed that a white sport utility vehicle (SUV) may have hit Usi first.

Mandaluyong police chief Col. Cesar Gerente said it might not be the case, based on another video they obtained.

In an interview over dzBB radio, Gerente said the rider fell down after he lost control of the motorcycle.

He then went into the lane of the fuel tanker, which hit him. The SUV, which was trailing the fuel tanker, transferred to the right lane, Gerente said.

Gerente noted Usi’s motorcycle did not sustain any damage on its rear, an indication it was not hit by another vehicle.