Brgy chief dies in car accident

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A 64-year-old barangay captain died in a vehicular accident on the highway of Brgy. Tabigue in E.B. Magalona town, Negros Occidental, Saturday night, police said.

Hermenio Bedonia, barangay captain of Brgy. Batea and was a retired police officer, was declared dead on arrival at the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.

Traffic investigator, PO2 William Pacurib, said Bedonia was on his way home when the multi-cab he was driving crashed into the rear portion of the 14-wheeler tanker, loaded with molasses, parked on the highway in front of a subdivision.

Bedonia's vehicle was a total wreck due to the impact, while the tanker's driver, 30-year-old Joel Dormido, is now being held at the E.B. Magalona Police Station while further investigation is going on.

Mayor David Albert Lacson said: "(Bedonia's) sudden demise came as a shock for us. He's one of the best barangay captains we have in town. He's a big loss for us."