GOOD FRIDAY TRAGEDY – The wrecked Toyota Innova which rammed into a religious procession in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City on Good Friday (April 18, 2025). Three people were killed in the incident while the vehicle’s driver is now in police custody. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Police Office)

BACOLOD CITY – The Diocese of Bacolod is mourning the death of three individuals in a road accident during a Good Friday evening procession in Barangay Alangilan here.

The fatalities were identified as Dionelo Solano,  a lay leader; Gilven Tanique, a barangay tanod; and Daynah Plohinog, a youth member, all parishioners of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish. 

Some 17 others were injured, including 14 who are confined in three private hospitals, and three who sustained slight injuries, among them two police officers.

In a statement Saturday afternoon, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said the diocese “stands in solidarity with all the affected families, especially those of the deceased”.

“We are deeply grieved by the tragic incident.  We are offering our prayers, support, and compassion in this time of mourning. We continue to pray for those who were injured, that they may find healing and quick recovery,” he added.

Around 7:20 p.m., a red Toyota Innova driven by Jagpret Singh,  an Indian national residing in Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City, rammed into a tricycle carrying the three fatalities.

The separated motorcycle then hit a police patrol vehicle, a multicab truck, and several pedestrians.

Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple physical injury, and damage to property are being readied against Singh, 37, who is detained at the custodial facility of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Station 5 in Barangay Granada.

“We will give justice to the victims of this tragedy by way of filing appropriate charges before the City Prosecutor’s Office,” BCPO Director Col. Joeresty Coronica said in a press conference.

In a separate statement, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the city government is providing immediate medical and burial assistance to the confined individuals  and the families of the deceased.  

“I have asked our traffic and law enforcement units to ensure that a strong case is filed and that justice is served. We ask the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to support the ongoing investigation,” he added. (PNA)