Motorist killed in road mishap

CEBU, Philippines - An unidentified man was killed after the motorcycle he was riding was hit by a taxicab at the corner of S. Osmeña Boulevard and General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City yesterday morning.

The victim was rushed to Cebu City Medical Center where he was pronounced dead on arrival for severe head injuries.

Liberato Saavedra, 51, driver of Ken taxi (GXD-834), said that he had just dropped his passenger at Pier 4 and maneuvered his vehicle for home. But before exiting the port, he bumped into the motorcycle of the victim.

Saavedra admitted that he dozed while driving because he has no sleep since driving from 9 a.m. the previous day.  

He said he was supposedly on his way home in barangay Gidarujan, Minglanilla town when the incident happened. Saavedra, who claimed to have been working as a taxicab driver for seven years, said he was only driving the normal speed during the incident.

Responding traffic enforcer Benjie Matillano arrested Saavedra while the victim was rushed to the hospital.

A charge for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide will be filed against him. — Niña G. Sumacot/LPM (THE FREEMAN)