AN OIL tanker driver was arrested and will be facing charges after being involved in an accident along Dumoy, Toril in Davao City that resulted in the death of a local disc jockey (DJ) on Thursday evening, January 20, 2022.
In a police blotter from the Baliok Police Station 17, FM disc jockey Orlando Maratas, 48, known to his listeners as "Papa Benjo," died on the spot after he was hit by the truck prime mover.
The accident was reported around 6:40 p.m. The truck driver was identified as Marlou Bustamante.
According to police report, Maratas, who was riding his motorcycle, was traveling along McArthur Highway coming north downtown, while Bustamante was moving in the opposite lane.
The truck encroached, resulting in a collision between two vehicles.
Bustamante was immediately arrested and charges were filed against him on Friday, January 21.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Rose Aguilar told SunStar Davao in a text message that the driver might face charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property.
Aguilar said, however, that the family has not yet formally filed charges against Bustamante.
The victim's body was already brought to a local funeral parlor.
Maratas was a DJ for RGMA Network Inc. for almost 18 years, according to his colleagues. He started as a DJ for Campus Radio using the aircheck name "Papa Bench." 103.5 FM Campus Radio rebranded as Wow Nindotah Ah! FM and currently as Barangay FM.
"Papa Benjo" had reported to his last shift hours before his passing.
RGMA has not yet issued an official statement as of Friday, January 21.
But Barangay FM's official Facebook page changed its profile picture to a lighted candle with dark background with the text: "Always in our thoughts, Forever in our Hearts *heart emoji* RIP PAPA BENJO."
His radio colleagues also paid tribute to Maratas, who is also the station's program director, in their respective shifts.