Solon's van collides with motorcycle; teener killed, companion hurt

MANILA, Philippines - A teenager was killed while his companion was hurt Sunday night after the motorcycle they were riding slammed into the van of Rep. Roque Ablan Jr along a highway in Ilocos Norte. Police said that fatality Jasper Tariga, 17, and his wounded companion, Roderick Obien, also 17 years old, had just attended a wake in their neighborhood when the accident happened at about 10:30 p.m. Along with Ablan inside the van were his driver PO3 Romeo Galit and a member of his staff. The three, who emerged unhurt in the accident, were headed for the lawmaker’s home in Laoag City when the incident happened. Investigation showed that the Ilocos Norte lawmaker’s Toyota Grandia van was cruising north-bound from Manila along the national highway in Brgy. Bil-loca when it was hit by the motorcycle traveling on the opposite lane. In a telephone interview with GMANews.TV, Superintendent Rogelio Gaño, chief of the Batac City police, said the two minors made an “abrupt left turn" toward the street leading to the city proper and hit the van. The motorcycle did not have any head or tail lights, and bore no plate number, police said. Also, neither of the minors had a driver’s license. “Madilim kasi. Tapos walang ilaw iyong mga bata kaya hindi nakita nung driver ni congressman (It was dark and the motorcycle had no lights so Ablan’s driver did not see it coming)," Gaño said. Tariga instantly died due to the impact of the collision while an injured Obien was rushed to the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that the two minors were drunk at the time of the road mishap. Police also claimed that a bottle of liquor was recovered from the victims at the time of the accident. Both parties have already agreed not to press any charges, Gaño said. The police official also quoted Ablan as saying he would extend financial assistance to the families of both minors. “Aminado naman ang mga magulang ng mga bata na anak nila ang may kasalanan (The teenagers’ parents had admitted it was their children who were at fault)," Gaño said. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV