Reporter covering Pamplona massacre dies in road mishap

CEBU, Philippines —   A female reporter lost her life after the motorcycle she was riding was hit by a truck at the Siapo crossing, Barangay Tampi, San Jose, Negros Oriental Sunday afternoon.

Based on the report of the Amlan Municipal Police Station, the victim was identified as Pegeen Maisie Manlangit Sararaña, a reporter of Cebu Daily News Digital and a resident of Barangay Tuyom, Carcar City, Cebu, while the driver of the truck was identified as Nielric Gaso, 27 years old.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim was riding a motorcycle with her boyfriend, Niel Ian Balcobero, when they were hit by the truck, which was overtaking another truck.

The reporter suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Polymedic Hospital where she died Monday evening, March 13, 2023.

The reporter was deployed in Negros Oriental to cover the Pamplona massacre in which Governor Roel Degamo and eight other people were killed.

Driver Released

Police Capt. Carlo Desano, officer-in-charge at San Jose Police Station, told The Freeman that the driver of the truck was released from detention on Monday after the lapse of the 18-hour regulatory period since there were no charges filed by the family of the victim.

“Na lapas na siya sa regulatory period nya March 12 to nahitabo at around 3 siguro nag lapse siya mga 9:13 in the morning the following day,” said Desano.

Sararaña’s body was transported Monday to her residence at Purok Buongon, Tuyom, Carcar City, Cebu.

The Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ) has released a statement saying its members are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of their colleague. — GMR (FREEMAN)