Highway patrolman injured in checkpoint mishap

A PERSONNEL of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) was injured after a motorcycle he was trying to flag down hit him around 7 p.m. Thursday at a checkpoint on Km. 25 in Licanan, Bunawan district, Davao City.

Instead of slowing down, the driver of the motorcycle sped off and hit the police officer. The driver was also injured after the vehicle lurched forward.

The injured victim was identified as Police Officer 3 Reynaldo Deypalubos, 49, while the driver is one Adolfo Buot Singson, 55, of Indangan, Buhangin.

Investigations by the Bunawan police showed tha Deypalubos stopped the Skygo motorcycle driven by Singson at the checkpoint.

But instead of stopping, the suspect tried to speed off, hitting Deypalubos while the motorcycle slipped across the pavement, hurting Singson.

Deypalubos and Singson were brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) but were later transferred to the Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH).

According to reports gathered by Sun.Star Superbalita, the police officer is in critical condition while the driver and his passenger, Wilfredo Guerra are still undergoing treatment for bruises and cuts.

It was learned that Singson does not have a driver's license and the vehicle does not have proper documents.

Police are still conducting an investigation of the incident. (ROG/SDR)