19-year-old cyclist injured after being hit by jeepney in Sorsogon

A 19-year old cyclist was injured after he was hit by a jeepney during a cycling race event in Sorsogon, according to Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report on Wednesday.

The cyclist identified as Xyrus Dela Cruz suffered injuries on the legs and arms due to the road mishap.

“Yun pong sa may binti, nabali po kasi ‘yun eh, ‘yung hita po niya, bali. Kaliwa po, tapos may sugat din sa may kaliwang kamay, panay kaliwa po siya. Wala naman pong internal problem pati sa CT scan. Milagro po talaga,” Israel Dela Cruz, father of Xyrus, narrated.

(He suffered injuries on his leg, and multiple wounds on his hands. Fortunately, there were no internal injuries based on the CT scan.)

The jeepney driver was arrested, however, Israel said he is willing to settle the case if the driver will pledge to share financial expenses for Xyrus’ treatment.

“Doon po kasi sa Sorsogon, ‘yun pong kuwan namin, P331,000, tig-kalahati po kami ng sasagutin. Eh wala din naman po ‘yung jeepney driver eh. ‘Yun po ang napagkasunduan namin,” Israel said

(We have P331,000 expenses which we need to pay. The jeepney driver may be released but he must contribute to the financial expenses.)

Israel said the Ronda Pilipinas, organizer of the cycling race, gave at least P150,000 as financial aid for Xyrus’ treatment. 

“Hindi pa po kami okay du’n. Wala kaming usapan na hanggang (doon na lang),” Israel said.

(That is not enough. We did not discuss that the amount given was the only assistance they will provide.)

“Kulang po sila ng marshal eh. Dapat po, ‘yung Ronda Pilipinas, ‘yun ang nag-kuwan, nagpigil sa mga jeep. Dapat po walang tumatakbo, dapat malinis na malinis ‘yun, eh bulagaan po kasi. Paahon saka palusong, kurbada po,” Israel said.

(The cycling event lacked marshal. The organizers must inform jeepney drivers that no one should be passing the road during the event because the road is curved and uphill.)

He said that his son is set to go to Thailand next month to join a cycling international competition.

“Paano po ang pinaghirapan ng anak kong isang taon na pagpa-practice? Pinaghirapan po, huminto sa pag-aaral dahil lang po sa Ronda,” Israel said.

(What will happen to my son who worked so hard for a year of practice? It is hard, he stopped studying just because of Ronda.)

Meanwhile, Ronda Pilipinas assured it will provide financial assistance, noting that investigation on the incident is currently ongoing.

“Ronda has always been putting a premium on security of riders and delegation, which for 11 years has been the standard of our race. The incident in Sorsogon was an isolated case, the same way that players get injured in basketball. It was an accident and no one wants this to happen,” Ronda Pilipinas project director Bernadette Guerrero said.

“Rest assured that Ronda Pilipinas, with help from Insurance and the local government of Sorsogon has extended all the help and assistance to our rider and his family. The investigation is ongoing, that's why we can’t give a statement for now,” Guerrero added.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News