Barotac Viejo, Iloilo — A drug suspect died while three police officers were injured after a patrol vehicle of the Batad Municipal Police Station fell into a roadside ravine in Barangay Natividad, Barotac Viejo.
The fatality was identified as John Baldomero, 44 years old, a resident of Barangay Alinsulong, Batad. He was handcuffed and seated in the back of the patrol car during the incident.
Injured in the crash were Police Master Sergeant Renante Fuentes, who was driving the vehicle, Police Master Sergeant Francis John Aricaya, and Police Corporal Joseph Asturias.
According to Police Major Ciriaco Esquilarga, chief of the Barotac Viejo Municipal Police Station, the patrol car was on its way back to Batad after bringing Baldomero to the PNP Crime Laboratory at Camp Delgado in Iloilo City for a drug test, following his arrest in a buy-bust operation.
While traversing Barangay Natividad, a sudden splash of strong water reportedly hit the windshield, severely obstructing the driver’s view. The vehicle then crashed into a gutter and a telecommunications post, causing the driver to lose control. The patrol car eventually plunged into a deep portion of the roadside.
Major Esquilarga stated that the impact caused significant damage to the side and rear parts of the patrol vehicle.
Due to his restraints, Baldomero was unable to move from his seat and sustained a serious head injury, which led to his death. He was declared dead on arrival at the Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Barotac Viejo. The injured officers were also brought to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
