Village chief killed in mishap

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – A re-elected village chief did not live to take his oath for his final term on Nov. 30 after the tricycle he was driving slammed into a jeepney in Naguilian, Isabela Friday.

Nestor Ramirez, 49, of Barangay Quezon, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Iligan City, according to Inspector Romeo Naira, chief of the Naguilian police.

Ramirez’ companions, village watchmen Ferdinand Malana and Romel Baccay, were treated at the same hospital for injuries they suffered from the accident.

Naira said the jeepney driven by Manuel Valencia, 58, stopped in the middle of the road in Barangay Palattao, causing Ramirez’ tricyle to slam into its rear.

Ramirez and his group were reportedly heading for the adjacent town of Reina Mercedes to assist in the wedding of his niece when the accident happened.

Valencia surrendered to the police after the incident.