3 killed in Argao mishap

CEBU, Philippines - Three persons died after the motorcycle they were riding crashed into a trailer truck parked on the national highway of Sitio Candabong, Barangay Binlod in Argao town early morning yesterday.

The victims were identified as Luisito Christopher Cambarijan, Genito Amazona and Sylvestre Gomera, all of Barangay Bulasa, Argao.

Insp. Alejandro Batobalonos, Argao police chief, said the victims were from a drinking session in Barangay Poblacion and were apparently under the influence of liquor.

Gomera, who was driving the motorcycle, was traveling at a high speed and all of them were not wearing helmet.

The trailer truck was loaded with sand. Truck driver Henry Aque parked the vehicle on the highway because of its flat rear tire.

Aque, who was in the truck, said the loud crash suprised him.

PO2 Benjamine Gerosaga, responding officer, said Aque had an early warning device but was not properly used.

The early warning device was supposed to be placed between six to ten meters away behind the truck.

However, police found it hanging behind the parked truck. Aque, 39, of Bais City, Negros Oriental is detained at Argao police stockade.

But he and the families of the victims are trying to arrive at an amicable settlement of the case.

While the victims body were still sprawled on the road, a truck carrying newspapers to be delivered to Santander, Cebu passed by and accidentally hit the foot of Gomera.

The van driven by Benito Fuentenegra, of Mandaue City, fell on its side while trying to avoid Gomera but it still hit his foot.

Fuentenegra was safe. He was held by the police for a few hours but was later released including the van. — /MBG - THE FREEMAN