Top Kidapawan cop in coma after New Year accident

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - A popular policeman in Kidapawan City is now brain dead after his motorcycle crashed on New Year’s Day as he roamed without any protective headgear, in total disregard of the 2009 Motorcycle Helmet Act.

The officer, SPO4 Rene Presno, who is the chief senior police executive officer of the Kidapawan City Police Office, now lies in coma in a hospital.

Presno was driving his motorcycle at a section of a busy street in Barangay Singao in Kidapawan City when he was hit by another motorcycle from behind, investigators said.

The driver of the other motorcycle sped away, leaving his two passengers and Presno behind.          

Presno, a decorated policeman who is known for his participation in police operations that led to the arrest of many wanted criminals and drug traffickers and suspects in deadly bombings in Kidapawan city, is due to retire from the police service this year.

Witnesses said Presno, who was not wearing a helmet, fell from his motorcycle head first, hitting the concrete pavement.

Blood oozed profusely from Presno’s both ears and nose while he was being evacuated to a hospital by responding members of the Kidapawan City Volunteer Emergency and Rescue Group.

The injured passengers of the motorcycle that hit Presno, siblings Felicitas and Nelia Libawan, were also both rushed to a hospital for medication.

Presno’s wife, Lorva, said her spouse was on his way their hometown, Antipas, in the second district of North Cotabato, for a family reunion when he figured in the accident.

Investigators are still clueless on the identity of the driver of the other motorcycle that collided with Presno’s Loncin 125 CC bike.