By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two people died after their motorcycle crashed into a truck on the evening of Jan. 5 in Leganes, Iloilo.
The victims were identified as Miraluna Andrada, 48, and her daughter’s live-in partner, Jomhel Catahay, 27, both residents of Barangay Baldoza, La Paz, Iloilo City. Authorities believe they died instantly from the impact.
According to the police, Andrada was driving the motorcycle while Catahay was riding as a passenger. The accident occurred around 11:10 p.m. as they were traveling home along the coastal road in Barangay Bigke, Leganes.
Master Sergeant Leo Barnuevo, the traffic investigator from Leganes police, said the motorcycle crashed into the rear of an Isuzu Forwarder truck carrying a backhoe. The truck was driven by a 37-year-old man identified only as “JR,” a resident of Barangay Apian, Leon.
CCTV footage revealed that the truck had already stopped and was maneuvering into a garage for about a minute when the motorcycle collided with its rear. Barnuevo noted that the area was well-lit, and the truck’s signal lights were on at the time of the incident.
The victims were reportedly wearing helmets but were thrown off the motorcycle due to the impact.
While initial findings suggest the motorcycle was at fault, the truck driver and his employer have reportedly agreed to settle the matter amicably.
