MCTC judge killed in road accident

CEBU, Philippines — A 41-year-old female judge died in a road accident, involving two motorcycles in a side-impact collision, along the national highway in Barangay Cabiangon, Pinamungajan, Cebu yesterday morning (October 22).

The victim was identified as Carmela Rosario Pasquin, a presiding judge in the Municipal Circuit Trial Court Branch 14 of Pinamungajan-Aloguinsan. She was declared dead on arrival at the Pinamungajan District Hospital after sustaining severe head injuries in the crash.

Initial police investigation stated that Pasquin was backriding a Honda ADV 150 motorcycle, driven by her court processor, Eric Gelizon Lanzarate, when the collision with another motorcycle, a Suzuki Smash, occurred at around 6:55 a.m.

The Suzuki motorcycle was driven by 19-year-old Mark James Cabiling, who had two passengers: Ronalyn Anas, 39; and Thely Lahaylahay, 47---all residents of Barangay Tajao, Pinamungajan.

Police said the two motorcycles were traveling side-by-side in the same lane towards Barangay Poblacion of Pinamungajan, Cebu.

Suddenly, for no apparent reason, Cabiling swerved left, and crashed into the side of Lanzarate’s motorcycle that the judge was riding on. The impact sent both motorcycles off the road.

Pasquin, who was reportedly seated in a side-saddle position, hit her head on the pavement when their motorcycle fell. She was rushed to the hospital where she was, however, pronounced dead on arrival.

Lanzarate, Cabiling, and passengers Anas and Lahaylahay sustained injuries and were brought for medical treatment.

Cabiling was immediately arrested and detained under the custody of the Pinamungajan Police Station, pending the filing of appropriate cases.

He will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injuries, and damage to properties.

The incident has shocked the local judiciary and residents of Pinamungajan, where Judge Pasquin was known as a respected member of the legal community. — /RAE (FREEMAN)