BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – A alleged “hit-and-run” incident on the night of June 1 in Barangay Pandac, Pavia town resulted in the death of a 40-year-old man and injuries to his 21-year-old partner.
The incident, which occurred at 10:58 p.m., involved a mountain bike and a sports car.
Dave Catallopez Garcia, 40, from Barangay Onate De Leon, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, was riding his mountain bike with his live-in partner, Shefryl Joice Talotalo Madadero, 21, also from Barangay Onate De Leon, when the accident took place.
According to Police Major Dadje Delima, chief of the Pavia municipal police station, the accident followed a minor altercation.
Garcia and Madadero were sideswiped by the car, prompting Garcia to shout at the driver, he said.
At the next intersection, the car awaited them, and another altercation ensued, he added, citing initial investigation.
As Madadero attempted to confront the driver, Garcia moved her aside. The car then made a U-turn, hitting Garcia and dragging him along the road, said Delima.
Madadero, who witnessed the incident, called for help but found no one nearby.
The car then reversed and struck Madadero, rendering her unconscious, according to Delima.
Garcia sustained severe head injuries and succumbed to his wounds.
Madadero was given first aid by responding police personnel and was transported to the Western Visayas Medical Center for further treatment.
De Lima said Madadero identified the suspect from a photograph and confirmed that three individuals were inside the car.
Charges of homicide or murder, rather than reckless imprudence resulting in homicide or serious physical injury, will be filed against the suspects, said Delima./PN
