IT WAS supposed to be a series of celebrations for graduating criminology student Ruthlyn Libradilla, but her life was cut short due to a vehicular accident in Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City.
Libradilla, a graduating Criminology student and service crew member at a Filipino fast food chain, tragically lost her life in a motorcycle accident on Tiangue Road, following a head-on collision in the morning of Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Lapu-Lapu City Police Office spokesman Lt. Col. Christian Torres told reporters on Monday, March 24, that the victim, 26, was on her way to work with Sofie Mie Inot when they figured in a vehicular incident.
Torres said a red pickup truck counterflowed and collided with their motorcycle, which led the two ladies to crash into the concrete pavement, sustaining injuries on various parts of their bodies.
Only Inot survived the tragedy. Libradilla was declared dead on arrival at approximately 5:30 a.m. at the Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital.
Positive for alcohol
Torres said the 23-year-old driver of the pickup truck tested positive in the alcohol breath test and was later arrested and put into custody by responding authorities.
Emelyn Libradilla, the mother of the victim, described her daughter as a hardworking breadwinner who was set to graduate this year at the University of Cebu.
She added that their family was scheduled to film a congratulatory video on Sunday, the day after the accident, to celebrate Libradilla’s promotion to a managerial position at the fast food chain where she worked.
She said the suspect’s family reached out to them via text message, offering to help with the burial and hospital bills, but she was unable to make a decision as the incident still deeply affects her.
Severe injuries
Charges have been filed against the suspect for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property, violation of Republic Act 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, and reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
Reporters attempted to interview the driver of the pickup truck but his parents declined to talk about the incident.
Junet Inot, mother of the survivor, said Sofie sustained severe injuries to her arms, legs, waist and hips from the impact.
While the responsible party has financed some of the medical expenses, she has requested full financial support for her daughter’s medical treatment, including surgery, medication and financial assistance for her missed work duties.
Junet said she hopes the responsible party will not abandon them. She also planned to formalize an agreement for continued support, saying they are struggling financially.
Torres urged intoxicated motorists to refrain from driving and to wait until the effects of alcohol wear off in order to prevent such accidents. / DPC