SURIGAO DEL NORTE – What was already a traumatic road accident turned into an even more heartbreaking ordeal after an accident victim was allegedly robbed instead of being assisted by a passing motorist in Barangay Del Pilar, San Isidro, Surigao del Norte.
The victim, identified as Dominga Fernandez, is now seeking justice as her family appeals for public assistance in identifying the suspect who allegedly took advantage of her vulnerable situation.
According to reports, Fernandez was transporting a load of copra using a motorcycle with a sidecar when the vehicle figured in an accident after one of the sidecar’s wheels suddenly detached. The sidecar, which was heavily loaded with copra, reportedly lost stability, causing the mishap.
Rather than receiving immediate assistance from passersby, the victim was allegedly preyed upon by an opportunistic motorist.
The family said a man riding a motorcycle stopped at the accident scene but, instead of helping Fernandez, allegedly took one sack of copra from the damaged sidecar, loaded it onto his motorcycle, and quickly fled the area.
The alleged theft added to the family’s distress, prompting them to conduct their own investigation in hopes of identifying the suspect.
Their efforts led them to obtain CCTV footage from the vicinity, which reportedly captured the incident. The video provided a crucial lead after the motorcycle’s license plate was clearly seen bearing the plate number 336 EQM.
The Fernandez family is now urging anyone who recognizes the rider or the motorcycle with the said plate number to immediately report the information to authorities to help bring the suspect to justice.
Local police have already launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are reviewing the CCTV footage and verifying the identity of the motorcycle owner as part of efforts to locate and arrest the suspect.
The incident has drawn public outrage on social media, with many condemning the alleged act of stealing from a person who had just figured in an accident instead of extending compassion and assistance.
Police continue to encourage witnesses and anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation progresses.