THE LOCAL government unit (LGU) of Alcoy in southern Cebu is asking for prayers for the recovery of Mayor Michael Sestoso who met an accident early morning on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.
The 56-year-old Sestoso was doing exercise with his mountain bike in the neighboring town of Dalaguete when he was hit by a tourist sedan car, knocking him unconscious.
The mayor sustained injuries in his back and thigh.
He was taken to the nearest hospital, but was later transferred to Cebu City for further treatment.
As of the press time, the Alcoy LGU said Sestoso is now in stable condition.
"He is now conscious and in a stable condition with minor wounds in his back and thigh. X-ray results showed no sign of fractures," the LGU announced.
"Join us as we pray for the speedy recovery of Mayor Michael," it added.
Major Gilfred Baroman, chief of Dalaguete Police Station, said the area was still dark when the incident occurred.
Baroman said on Wednesday, January 25, that Sestoso was on his way home when he was sideswiped by the tourist vehicle driven by Ricardo Galcim, 43, a resident of Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, who was going to Oslob town.
The police chief said that Sestoso and Galcim were headed further south when the latter hit the former along the intersection in Dalaguete town.
"Pareha ni sila travelling in the same direction. Accordingly ang giingon sa driver naa pay tulo pa ka sakyanan nga gisundan before pa ni mayor. Pag-abot sa intersection, ni execute og right turn ba o left turn mao to wa niya makita si mayor nga nag-bike nadumbolan niya maong napasok ang bike sa ilawom sa awto unya si mayor nalagpot, naligid-ligid," Baroman said.
(They were both traveling in the same direction. According to the driver, he was following three more cars before the mayor. When he arrived at the intersection, he executed a right turn or a left turn, that's why he didn't see the mayor who was hit while riding a bike. The bicycle was pinned under the car while the mayor was thrown and rolling over due to the impact).
Galcim is now detained at the Dalaguete Police Station.
"Sa part sa driver ni-manifest man sila nga mo-shoulder sila sa medical expenses ni mayor," Baroman said.
(On the part of the driver, they manifested interest to shoulder the medical expenses of the mayor).
Due to the incident, the police advised bikers to wear reflectorized vest and blinkers so they can easily be noticed by other motorists. (ANV / TPT)