Laoag City – A 22-year-old student was killed on the spot following a collision between a motorcycle and an SUV in Brgy. 6 Dilavo, Pasuquin.
According to P/Maj. Jonvale Maramag, Chief of Pasuquin Municipal Police Station, the victim was identified as Mark Joshua Balibago Viernes, a resident of Brgy. Dampig, Pagudpud, and a student at Mariano Marcos State University.
Viernes was driving a Yamaha Sniper motorcycle when the incident occurred.
The SUV involved in the accident was a Gray Metallic Toyota Hilux driven by 64-year-old Marcelino Dotimas Galla, a resident of Cadcadir East, Claveria, Cagayan.
Based on the investigation, the SUV was heading north along a curved portion of the road when the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to swerve into the opposite lane.
This resulted in a head-on collision with the motorcycle heading south.
Due to the impact, Viernes was thrown approximately 30 meters away from the crash site and hit the ground hard. The SUV, which rolled over after the crash, ended up about 10 meters from the collision site.
Emergency responders rushed the motorcyclist to the hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Diophantos Acob, the Municipal Health Officer of Pasuquin.
The SUV driver sustained injuries and was also taken to the hospital but was transferred to Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
Authorities revealed that Viernes was on his way to attend classes at Mariano Marcos State University in Batac at the time of the accident.
Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide are expected to be filed against the SUV driver.