Robert C. Dejon | January 16, 2022
Two (2) coco lumber workers are now facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide when the coconut tree they’re cutting fell directly on a Protestant priest around 7AM of January 10 along the Maharlika Highway in Brgy. Sta. Fe, Matalom, Leyte.
Matalom Chief-of-Police (COP) Pol. Lt. Renie Ablan identified the casualty as Rizacion Ybañez y Gamutan, 63, a resident of Sitio San Pedro of the aforementioned barangay. He was a priest of the Philippine Independent Catholic Church (PICC).
The suspects were identified as Ricardo Pal y Quilario, 59, married, a chainsaw operator and a resident of the said barangay; and Edgardo Reriorato y Paje, 35, single, the helper and resident of Brgy. Itum of the said town.
Initial investigation disclosed the suspects were cutting a damaged coconut tree along the Maharlika Highway. During the course of the cutting, all vehicles traversing from Maasin City heading towards Matalom town proper were at full stop as to ensure no accidents will incur. However, the victim, aboard a single motorcycle was coming from Matalom town proper and headed for Maasin City, ignored being flagged down by the traffic enforcer. He insisted on passing by and snubbed the warnings from the people concerned.
warnings from the people concerned.
Unfortunately, as the victim proceeded to traverse the highway, the unsuspicious chainsaw operator successfully cut down the coconut tree. To his surprise, the tree fell and slammed right into the victim, pinning him to the road. The victim was quickly rushed to the Matalom Community Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by attending physician, Dra. Elisha Paola C. Pajulio.
The suspect and his helper along with the chainsaw, a Noker 707, are now in the custody of Matalom Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
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