'Habal-habal' driver killed in road mishap

CEBU - A 26-year-old “habal-habal” (motorcycle-for-hire) driver was killed when his vehicle collided with a taxi shortly after midnight yesterday along the Cebu South Coastal Road in barangay San Isidro, Talisay City.

The victim, Ramesis Bacho, a resident of Tubod, Minglanilla, was immediately brought to Cebu City Medical Center in Cebu City but died about an hour later due to severe bruises in the body and head injuries that he sustained. There were reports that at 12:10 a.m., Bacho together with three other motorcycle drivers were racing towards Cebu City.

“According sa mga testigos naglumbaanay ‘tong mga habal-habal driver unya kadtong taxi go signal man to nilahos gyud ang gisakyan ni Bacho maong to na-slide ug naigo ang bumper sa taxi,” PO2 Amelito Hornales said.

Bacho’s XRM Honda 125 cc motorcycle hit the front portion of the taxi unit driven by Ramon Cabalit, a native of Medillin, Cebu.

Cabalit was carrying two passengers and was heading towards Dumlog, Talisay City.

Due to the impact, Bacho’s motorcycle was badly damaged while the taxi unit only sustained a dented bumper and plate number. Cabalit immediately reported and surrendered himself to Talisay City traffic division.

But after a few hours, the traffic investigator released the taxi driver after it was allegedly found out that the damage of taxi unit was only slight and the driver of the motorcycle can no longer be located.

“Honest mistake gyud to siya kay pag-adto namo sa Talisay District Hospital wala ma’y nadala nga biktima unya pagtan-aw namo sa damage sa taxi dili gyud kaayo dako. Wa gyud mi nagtuo nga namatay diay ang driver sa motor,” PO2 Hornales explained.

Michael Bacho, older brother of the victim, raised his complaint against the traffic investigator for his alleged failure to hold the driver’s license and the taxi unit of Cabalit.

But Hornales assured the relatives of the victim that they will contact the taxi driver and file appropriate charges against him. — Ramil V. Ayuman/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)