One man died while another was injured in Iloilo after they were hit on the road by a car driven by the former mayor of the Municipality of Calinog on March 15, 2026.

The first incident happened at past 9 p.m. in Barangay Pasil, New Lucena.

Based on police investigation, the suspect, Salvador Divinagracia, was heading to Iloilo City while the victim, Vhane Rodulf Idao, 20, was heading home to Barangay Damires, when Divinagracia hit him.

Idao sustained wounds in different parts of his body and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

“Masakit mang sabihin ngunit sana hindi na lang ang kapatid ko ang namatay. Sana siya na lang kasi matanda na sya. Ang kapatid ko, may pangarap pa ako para sa kanya,” said Idao’s elder sister, Danecca Marie.

The suspect allegedly fled the scene in New Lucena toward Iloilo City where he hit the second victim who was on board a motorcycle in Barangay Tacas, Jaro.

Authorities caught up with him eventually in Barangay Ungka, also in Jaro.

“Sa investigation at sa decision ng (driver ng) motorsiklo, nasa Traffic Enforcement Unit ng ICPO na ang imbestigasyon,” said Capt. Mavin Laraño, OIC of the Iloilo City Police Station 3.

Police said fear reportedly pushed Divinagracia to escape and he allegedly smelled of liquor when arrested.

“Hindi tayo maka-determine kung lasing o nakainom dahil nag-refuse siyang i-examine sa medical. Ayon sa statement ng mga nakahuli sa kanya, nangangamoy siya ng inumin,” Laraño said.

The former mayor is facing charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas tried to get his statement but the police said he had refused to give one.