ILOILO – Two motorcycle-riding women died on Sunday night, January 19, after a speeding van hit their vehicle in Barangay Tubigan, Zarraga town.
The victims identified as Mary Grace Mandate, 30, and a resident of Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, and Mara Heradora, 31, of Bago City, Negros Occidental sustained severe body injuries. They were declared dead on arrival at Ramon Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas town.
According to the investigation of the Zarraga Municipal Police Station (MPS), the victims were riding a motorcycle from Dumangas port and upon reaching Barangay Tubigan, they were bumped by a van driven by Jerry Gonzales, 53, a resident of Ledesma Street, Pototan town, at around 9:10 p.m.
Further investigation revealed that Gonzalez left his van and the victims and went to the Leganes MPS to surrender. He was later turned over to the Zarraga MPS for proper disposition.
Police added that the said van rammed a house in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo City at around 8 p.m. While on the run, Gonzales again figured in a road accident in Barangay Tubigan.
The van driver was detained at the Zarraga MPS.
Zarraga police chief Captain Dandy Ilalto said the suspect is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide./PN
