THE driver of the pickup involved in a fatal accident with a tricycle in Hinigaran town, Negros Occidental on Thursday, September 9, 2021, was already released from police custody.
Major Jake Barila, Hinigaran town police chief, said Christopher Antiqueno, 50, of Stone Heaven Subdivision at Barangay Granada, Bacolod City was released Friday, September 10.
Barila said Antiqueno needed to be released from custody because no charges have been filed against him yet.
The relatives of the victims could still pursue the charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide with damage to properties against Antiqueno, he said.
Antiqueno reportedly does not own the pickup vehicle, he also said.
As of Friday, Barila said some of the victims’ relatives already had an initial talk with Antiqueno for a possible settlement.
Around 4 p.m. Thursday, the pick-up vehicle driven by Antiquena was heading to Bacolod City when it hit the tricycle driven by Simeon Noblezada, 62, while it was about to make a left turn towards Crossing Bulubitoon in Barangay Miranda.
Both vehicles fell into the roadside canal due to the strong impact.
Noblezada and his passengers Kent Tolido, 19, SK Kagawad of Barangay Miranda, Meldy Capillo and Dena Espinosa, also of the same barangay, all died on the spot due to fatal injuries they sustained.
Antiqueno was negative for illegal substance based on his drug test result.