CEBU, Philippines — The City of Talisay Traffic Operations and Development Authority (CT-TODA) has reminded motorists not to drive when drunk, following the road accidents along N. Bacalso Avenue in Barangay Linao in Talisay City, that killed two people past 1 a.m. Monday.
Jonathan Tumulak, chief of CT-TODA, said the two were on board a motorcycle and were allegedly driving fast when they crashed into a truck based on some witnesses.
They added that the two were with other men who were also riding a different motorcycle, but they did not stop when the accident happened.
The victims remained unidentified and their bodies are still unclaimed by their relatives as of the press time. The truck driver was soon identified as Sannie Bucar, 48, a resident of Barangay Linao.
Based on Bucar's narration, he came from the southern part of Cebu after fetching steel bars and was set to deliver these to a construction site in Mandaue City.
Then he went for a quick stop in Barangay Linao to drop his child when he heard that something crashed from the back of his truck.
When he checked, he found the two men bathed with blood.
The city’s emergency team personnel, who immediately responded to the area, said the two were declared dead on the spot due to the intense impact.
Because these two were not wearing helmets, their faces were distorted, a personnel from the emergency team said.
Bucar is now in custody of the police pending investigation.
Tumulak said parking at the portion of the road where the truck had a quick stop is supposedly prohibited, though it does not count as parking since he only dropped off his child at that time.
He added that the driver will possibly face a charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
Following what happened, he reminded the public to refrain from driving while under the influence of liquor, especially since there are many Christmas gatherings this holiday season and drinking with workmates, friends, among others is inevitable.
“Kung makainom, dili nalang magmaneho or mangita ta og laing kauban nga momaneho para nato,” said Tumulak. — Robhe Jane C. Yara with Romeo D. Marantal, GMR (FREEMAN)