3 dead, 10 hurt as vehicle rams Good Friday procession in Bacolod

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The procession was on its way back to church in Barangay Alangilan when the incident happened, say police

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – At least three people died while 10 others were hurt in Bacolod City, after a speeding multi-purpose vehicle triggered a multiple vehicle collision that hit a procession of Catholic devotees on Good Friday evening, April 18.

The devotees participated in the traditional procession of pasos (life size images of saints) on Good Friday, in the village of Alangilan, 12.9 kilometers away from Bacolod City proper.

In an interview with Rappler on Saturday morning, April 19, Major Joeil Reclamado, Bacolod Police Station 5 chief, identified the fatalities as Jonelo Solano, a 66-year-old lay minister, Gelvin Canete, and Dynha Plohinog. Two of those injured in the incident were cops.

Solano died on the spot while Canete was declared dead on arrival at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH). Plohinog died on Saturday.

Bacolod police chief Colonel Joeresty Coronica told Rappler on Saturday that the procession was already heading back to the Our Lady of The Most Holy Rosary Parish Church in Barangay Alangilan when the incident occurred at around 7:30 pm.

Coronica said that a tricycle carrying four parishioners — one of whom fainted during the procession — was rammed by a speeding Toyota Innova. The impact of the collision sent the tricycle into the air, landing on the front hood of the police mobile car of that was leading the religious procession, then an Isuzu multicab jeep, and some of the devotees.

The police identified the driver of the vehicle as Jag Pret Singh, who was with four others. Singh was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol. His companions were released late Friday night.

Coronica ordered the filing of criminal charges against Singh on Saturday.

Reclamado said Singh was subjected to an alcohol confirmatory test at the Riverside Medical Center on Friday night, and the result will be released on Saturday. If the test turns out positive, Singh also be charged with violation of the Republic Act 1086, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, on top of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to properties.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Diocese Bishop Patricio Buzon assured the families of the victims of assistance. – Rappler.com