Accident hurts 13 pilgrims; motorcycle kills man, 71

CEBU, Philippines - Thirteen employees on a pilgrimage to Sibonga town ended up at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) instead.

This is after the vehicle they were riding rammed the center island at the corner of P. del Rosario and Sikatuna streets, Cebu City yesterday morning.

They would have wanted to light candles at the Mother Mary Shrine in Barangay Simala  in honor of her birthday today.

The driver of the Suzuki Multicab (GXS 225) fled after the accident.

PO2 Wilfredo Caperida of Cebu City Traffic Patrol Group said the victims rented the public utility vehicle and were headed for Sibonga.

The multicab, which plies a Lapu-Lapu City-Mandaue City route, was traversing Sikatuna St. from Lapu-lapu City when the driver suddenly lost control past 6 a.m.

The vehicle eventually hit the center island, detaching the steel railings.

The driver, whose name is still being confirmed, reportedly ran away, leaving behind the damaged vehicle and the victims, who suffered bruises and cuts.

Caperida said the victims rented the vehicle for P2,500.

He identified them as Mary Ann Navarete, 21; Eva Mie Gomez, 24; Marilou Tolomia, 24; Angelie Sequeles, 22; Glenda Estado, 21; Marichu Ngujo, 27; Russell Oplado, 25; Jomarie Precolia, 22; Jamelyn Joy Bilapil, 21; Benjie Cabigas, 25; Norman Quevedo, 22; Roselinda Entera, 21; and Jurie Alignos.

Twelve hours earlier, Nomeriano Caro, 71, died after a motorcycle driven by neighbor Lloyd Ferdinand Beceril, 17, hit him in Barangay Casay, Dalaguete, Cebu Friday night.

Caro was rushed to the Julio Cardinal Rosales Memorial Hospital but died along the way due to severe head and body injuries. Beceril was brought to the same hospital for treatment of slight injuries but was released yesterday.

 PO2 Godofredo Glipa of Dalaguete Police said Caro was crossing the road from his home towards his sister’s house when he was hit by the yellow Honda Wave motorcycle (GO 5898) that Beceril drove past 6 pm.

Both Caro and Beceril were thrown to the pavement as a result of the accident. Attending physician Heriginio Abuda said Caro was already dead on arrival

“Magpasiga unta ang tiguwang sa suga sa iyang igsoong babaye (The old man intended to turn on the lights in his sister’s house),” said Gilpa.

He said Caro suddenly crossed the road.  As of press time, no charges were filed yet against Beceril.  (FREEMAN)