By Robert Requintina
Neil Perez, the policeman who gained huge notice following his win as Mr. International in 2014, was rushed to a hospital Friday after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
It is not known how the accident happened exactly but Perez, an explosives technician assigned with the Aviation Security Group, reportedly suffered bruises and cuts. He is now confined at the Metropolitan Medical Center in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Jonas Gaffud, Perez’s mentor, updated fans via Instagram about Perez’s status recently.
He said the cop briefly lost his memory following the accident but is now okay.
Eton Concepcion, a civilian employee of the police’s Community Relations Group and a close friend of Perez, said three children saved Perez from further harm with a truck almost hitting the cop after he fell off his motorcycle.
“Buti pinara nung tatlong bata ‘yung truck na sasagasa sa katawan niyang bulagta na sa kalsada. Kumaway-kaway raw sa truck driver ‘yung tatlong bata kaya huminto yung truck,” said Concepcion.
“Hanggang sa dalhin siya sa bahay nila nung tatlo, sinakay sa tricycle. Black eye, madaming galos, lapnos at groggy.
Nakakakilos pero hindi matandaan ang mga nangyari. May minor fracture sa pisngi at bugbog,” Concepcion added.
Family and friends of Perez lost track of the three children on their way to the hospital, he said.
Concepcion said Perez is thankful having survived the incident.
“He’s thankful (kasi) parang second life na rin niya ito. Nakahiga lang siya, nakaka-smile pa at usap sa bisita, parang di nasasaktan but I know he feels the pain.”
Perez is the country’s first Mister International title holder.
