BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO City – A call center agent died while receiving treatment at a hospital after being run over by a modernized jeepney in Barangay Airport, Madurriao district yesterday morning.
The victim was named Hermie Cala, 55, and a resident of Freedom Highway Street in Alimodian, Iloilo.
According to Police Chief Master Sergeant Alexandro Agilles, the victim was about to cross the pedestrian lane off to work.
According to the traffic investigator, Cala was thrown approximately five meters away. Based on the impact on the windshield of the modernized jeepney, the vehicle may be running too fast.
The driver was identified as Mark Joevel Babiera, 24, a resident of Barangay San Antonio, San Miguel, Iloilo.
Babiera is currently under the custody of Mandurriao police, pending the decision of the victim’s family on whether to press charges.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, meanwhile, assured the family of assistance from the city government for Cala’s burial expenses.
“I am deeply saddened by the news this morning that a call center agent was run over by a modernized jeepney in the Megaworld area. I condole with the family with the assurance that the city government will help with the burial expenses,” he said.
The city mayor added that drivers of modern jeepneys will have to undergo re-training on traffic discipline by the Land Transportation Office and Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit to avoid similar incidents in the future./PN
