Medical results show driver was “drunk”

CEBU, Philippines — The driver of the Toyota Fortuner who was tagged as the one who caused the road mishap along General Maxilom Avenue, Barangay Zapatera, Cebu City that killed three persons was found to be drunk, based on the medical result.

The driver identified as Angelo Rey Leyon Gurrea, 21, a resident of Barangay Lawa-an, Talisay City, will be criminally charged today.

Case Investigator Police Chief Master Sergeant Antonio Jay Pizarras said that based on the results of the medical examination on Gurrea, he was found to have taken an intoxicating drink that night.

Pizarras added that Gurrea had also admitted to him that he had a drinking session with his friends in Mabolo, Cebu City before the incident.

He was on his way home when the incident happened. Three died in the road crash when Gurrea’s Fortuner rammed into a passenger multicab.

Passenger Carlo Gahator, 22, multicab driver Raul Largado, 46, and unidentified man died in the accident.

Passenger Michael Abellana, who was seated in the front seat of the jeepney, survived.  Abellana was thrown out of the window during the impact.

Eman Berniel Balion, 25, a resident of Barangay Talamban, Cebu City, who was driving a motorcycle behind the passenger multicab, was also injured.  His backrider, Grace Barela, 22, also got injuries.

Pizzaras said that the suspect’s mother has shouldered the hospital and burial expenses of the victims.

An Isuzu Crosswind was also damaged in the incident.

Even with the financial assistance that the suspect has given to the victims, a criminal case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide with multiple serious physical injuries and damage to properties will still be filed against Gurrea.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is conducting a separate investigation to check why Largado’s jeepney is in Cebu City when his route was in Lapu-Lapu City.

“Ako sad gipangutana tong survivor, ang ingon kay na pick up daw siya sa Banilad unya pa-Colon kuno. Unya nakatog na kuno siya, namat-an na lang niya nga nalabay na siya,” Pizzaras said. (FREEMAN)