Rescuer dies in motorcycle mishap

July Jaruyan. (Photo courtesy of the Emergency Operation Center of Himamaylan Facebook)

BY Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A member of the Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental rescue team tragically died in a motorcycle accident in front of a convenience store in Barangay 2 last Wednesday.

Police identified the victim as 37-year-old July Jaruyan from Barangay Su-ay.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Grande, the city’s police chief, reported that Jaruyan was riding his motorcycle when a dog unexpectedly crossed his path.

Jaruyan slowed down abruptly but lost control of his motorcycle and fell, hitting his head on the ground. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident which Grande believes contributed to the severity of the impact.

The police chief also speculated that Jaruyan was likely traveling at a high speed, which made it difficult for him to maintain control of his motorcycle.

Jaruyan was declared dead at the hospital, Grande confirmed.

The City Emergency Operation Center expressed its grief over Jaruyan’s death in a Facebook post, saying, “On behalf of our entire City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) family, we would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.”

They also paid tribute to Jaruyan’s service, “We offer a snappy salute to you for your contribution, commitment, and service rendered to Himamaylanon.”