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MANDAUE CITY, Philippines - The often-ignored rule of wearing crash helmets when riding motorbikes was highlighted with the recent death of a police officer in Mandaue City.
Police Officer 2 Leonard Dinsay, one of two policemen who figured in a vehicular accident on Ouano Avenue, Mandaue City, died of head injuries Sunday afternoon.
Dinsay and his companion Senior Police Officer 2 Felizardo Callego were on their way to Cambaro in Mandaue City when the motorcycle they were riding was bumped from behind by an Isuzu van about 1:45 p.m.
The policemen were in civilian clothes and supposed to serve an arrest warrant for Gabby dela Cruz for the crime of theft.
Mandaue traffic investigator Senior Police Officer 1 Joel Catabas said he strongly suspected that both policemen were not wearing safety helmets based on the extent of their head injuries.
"I did not see any helmets. There were a lot of people in the area. We don't know if someone picked up the helmets later but for sure I did not see them wearing helmets,” he said in Cebuano.
Dinsay was driving with Callego in the backseat.
The motorcycle was dragged by the Isuzu van for several meters before the two police officers were thrown off and hit their heads on the pavement.
Paramedics brought the victims to the Chong Hua Hospital where Dinsay died about two hours later.
Senior Superintendent Patrocinio Comendador Jr., Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director, said reports that the two policemen assigned with the Waterfront police station were not wearing helmets would be investigated.
The truck with plate number GXE-257 owned by the GID Fishing Corp. was driven by Christopher Lamela, 33, of San Remegio town, Cebu. He was detained at the Mandaue City Police Office Station 2.
The driver claimed he was running at a speed of about 50 kilometers per hour, but traffic investigation showed the van was speeding and its brake mark was recorded at 140 feet.
The driver faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and serious physical injury.
Dinsay was a native of Sibonga town, Cebu, and was residing at Barangay Tisa, Cebu City with his wife and children.
Senior Police Officer 1 Manuel Margallo, a colleague, described Dinsay as a tough and straightforward policeman.
The flag at the CCPO headquarters in Camp Sotero Cabahug was flown at half-mast on Monday.
Chief Superintendent Ronald Roderos said the Philippine National Police (PNP) would help with Dinsay's burial expenses and Callego's medical expenses.
Roderos said he ordered the release of initial funding for Callego's medical treatment.
He also said the PNP would provide scholarships for Dinsay's children until they finish college.
Both policemen will also be given medals for being industrious in attending to their duties at the Waterfront police station.
Callego was still in serious condition, according to doctors on Monday, after a blood clot was detected in his head.
He will have to undergo observation for 72 hours. /With Correspondent Chito O. Aragon
