PRO-7 chief orders cops to wear helmets

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Supt. Federico Terte has ordered all provincial and city directors in Central Visayas to strictly enforce the wearing of helmets by all PNP personnel driving motorcycles, after a policeman on Field Training Program was killed in a vehicular accident.

Terte issued the memorandum to all provincial directors, city directors and unit commanders yesterday.

PO1 Brett del Socorro Selma, detailed as a beat patrol officer of the Talisay Police Station, was killed after he was crushed by a van in the Talisay City side of the South Coastal Road past noon the other day.

Selma, 28, of barangay Tubod, Minglanilla town, was driving his Kawasaki motorcycle with plate numbers IK-3371, tailing a 10-wheeler cargo truck, towards Talisay City.

Upon reaching the place, the driver of the truck, Samuel Alianic, 33, a resident of barangay Lut-od, Pinamungajan town, allegedly signaled that he would turn right prompting Selma to stop and give way.

But while Selma was holding position, the Kia van with plate number WDS-780, driven by Julius Gamao, 28, a resident of barangay Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City, hit him from behind and dragged him underneath about three meters.

Selma died while being taken to the Cebu City Medical Center due to severe injuries and broken bones.

Gamao is now detained at the Talisay City detention cell while waiting for charges for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide scheduled to be filed against him today before the city prosecutor’s office.

It was learned that Selma was not wearing a helmet during the accident. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)