Metrobriefs

Woman struck dead by van

A SINGLE mother on her way to cash her  check at a bank died after she was hit by an armored van in Pasig City on Friday afternoon. The police said that Jacqueline Pomarca, 47, was crossing Ortigas Avenue with her five-year-old son and 73-year-old mother when she was struck by the Armored Transport Plus van in front of Rosario Church. Her son and mother were unhurt. According to SPO2 Carlito Guillarte of the Pasig police’s vehicle traffic investigation unit, the driver of the armored van, Wilbor Aplaon, claimed that he did not see the victim and her relatives crossing the road because they were hidden from his view by a vehicle on his right side. He added that he tried to swerve to avoid them but struck the victim who hit the pavement headfirst. She was rushed to Pasig City General Hospital by emergency responders but she was declared dead on arrival. Aplaon was arrested and taken to the Pasig police station where he remains detained. He now faces a charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. Jovic Yee

Generous ‘Pa’ faces sanctions

WHAT was supposed to be a message of thanks for getting free gas could put “Pa” in hot water. Philippine National Police spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. said yesterday that they were still trying to trace the source of the two PNP gas coupons believed used for nonofficial purposes. The screen grab of the Facebook post showing the coupons, each one entitling the holder to 10 liters of gasoline, with the caption “Gas supply when in PH… Thanks Pa” went viral after it was posted by Top Gear Philippines on its Facebook page on Friday. The name and picture of the Facebook user who posted the message were blurred but the serial numbers of the coupons may help probers identify the source who could face sanctions, Cerbo said. The gasoline coupon can be used only for police operations, he added. Rima Granali