BY RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
ILOILO – The retired police officer who attempted to flee after a multiple hit-and-run incident admitted drinking alcohol before the incident.
On Sunday night, April 16, Elmer Tabares, 69, hit multiple vehicles and pedestrians.
“Medyo naka-inom ang suspect naton kag gin-aku niya man,” said Police Corporal Raymund Dollete of the Oton Municipal Police Station.
He also admitted to not having a driver’s license.
Eight individuals sustained minor injuries.
“Maayo naman ang kahimtangan sang aton mga biktima,” said Dollete.
Tabares was driving his Kia Sorrento from Tigbauan town when, upon reaching Barangay Alegre in Oton, he hit three tricycles, a pedicab and pedestrians.
Instead of stopping, he went straight and crashed into other vehicles in Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo district. He hit a cyclist, a Toyota Fortuner, four motorcycles, a tricycle, and another pedicab.
“Ginkastigo siya sang mga naglagas sa iya, mu na nadakpan siya,” said Police Master Sergeant Rexie Diaz of the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Iloilo City Police Office.
Meanwhile, Tabares was released after his 18-hour reglementary period of detention ended, added Diaz.
Tabares will be meeting with the owners of the vehicles and the victims to talk about the cost of damages./PN
