GINGOOG City, Misamis Oriental — A detached truck tire struck and killed former Gingoog City councilor Avelino “Tsamba Lang” Bernaldez near the gate of his home along the highway in Purok 1, Malubog, Barangay Santiago, on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
The truck driver is now facing a case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide over the fatal incident.
Provincial Board Member Jabi Bernaldez, the victim’s son, said the case was filed against the driver, who was brought to court for inquest proceedings the following day.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Dennis de los Santos, chief of the Gingoog City Police Station, confirmed that the tire detached from the truck, rolled toward Bernaldez and struck him.
The impact caused Bernaldez’s head to hit a concrete fence, leaving him with severe head injuries.
He was rushed to Sanitarium Hospital in Gingoog City for emergency treatment but was declared dead at about 1:45 p.m. by attending physician Dr. Kate Jasmine C. De Vera.
The medical record listed his cause of death as severe traumatic brain injury secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage and physical injuries.
Police identified the vehicle as a white Hino tractor head with a flatbed trailer bearing plate numbers LAD5386 and 130110. It was driven by Carlito Jr. Jagolino Flores, 51, of Purok 7, Aupagan, Butuan City.
Former councilor, barangay official
Bernaldez was serving as a barangay kagawad of Barangay Santiago when he died.
He previously served for nine years as a Gingoog City councilor, from 2010 to 2019.
Public service also runs in his family. His son Jabi is a provincial board member, while his daughters Jodeline Bernaldez and Joveline Bernaldez-Asuncion serve as Gingoog City councilor and Talisayan municipal councilor, respectively.
The incident has left Bernaldez’s family and the community mourning while the legal case against the truck driver proceeds.
