by Malu Cadelina Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY – A police chief was killed during a fatal vehicular accident along Kidapawan highway here.
The Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) said Chief Inspector Raymond Senier Sarmogenes, chief of police in Antipas, North Cotabato died on the spot when his car collided with a jeep along the Matalam-Kidapawan highway, particular at Kilometer 110, around 4:30 p.m., Sunday.
Describing the state of Sarmogenes’ vehicle after the accident, CPPO spokesman Superintendent Bernard Tayong said only a miracle would save the police chief from the incident.
“It got hit hard. I suspect he was driving too fast, but of course, I will leave it to the traffic investigator to determine,” said Tayong.
Sarmogenes’ body has since been claimed by his family. According to Tayong, he will be buried with full honors.
Meanwhile, the occupants of the jeep, a family of four, are still recuperating from the injuries they suffered following the collision.
The driver, Joselito de Julian Aberde, is said to have just fetched his wife Evelyn at a hospital. They were with their children Jenny Joy, 26, and John Rey, 18.
According to Tayong, Evelyn is in critical condition.
The collision was the third to happen in the area this month.
The night prior Sarmogenes’ death, a motorcycle-riding youth identified as Brian Laidan died after his vehicle crashed into a post in the same highway. His companion, Jasper Ulpindo, is comatose. Both were supposedly drunk when the accident occurred.
Residents are now prodding city officials to impose a speed limit along the highway. (With a report from Ali G. Macabalang)
