Driver in ambulance accident posts bail

CEBU, Philippines - Noel Anthony Logarta, the driver of the Toyota Hilux which hit a Chong Hua hospital ambulance wherein the nurse on board was killed, posted P30,000-bail.

Logarta, accused of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, was reportedly confined in a hospital for injuries.

Prosecutor Simaco Labata earlier elevated the case to the court after Logarta, through his counsel, chose not to undergo preliminary investigation and to just answer the accusation in court.

The complaint stated that nurse Trecie Abaño fell from the ambulance which rolled on its side after the impact. She sustained severe head and body injuries, causing her death.

It was Mark Selisana of F. Llamas Extension, Sitio Nangka, Barangay Tisa, Cebu City and nephew of the victim who filed the complaint.

Abaño was escorting 37-year-old patient Michael Jazmin for Singapore where is seeking treatment via a private plane. The ambulance was driven by Juan Cabigas.

While they were traversing J. Luna avenue corner, the left side rear portion of the ambulance was accidentally hit by the Toyota Hilux driven by Logarta, 20, of 22nd Mountain View Village, Quiot, Cebu City.

The ambulance was on its way to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport on April 10, 2012 at 12:20 a.m. when it met the accident.

Logarta was found positive of liquor intake.

It was Judge Pamela Baring-Uy of Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 6 who signed the release order of Logarta. — (FREEMAN)