QUEZON, Bukidnon — Two police officers were injured after they were struck by a speeding “bao-bao” tricycle allegedly driven by an intoxicated man while they were manning a checkpoint along the National Highway in Poblacion, Quezon, Bukidnon, on Saturday evening, August 22.
The incident occurred at around 6:44 p.m., while personnel of the Quezon Municipal Police Station (MPS) were conducting a regular checkpoint scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Based on the initial police investigation, the two patrolmen were positioned along the highway and were inspecting passing vehicles when the tricycle suddenly approached from Poblacion heading toward Barangay Libertad.
Authorities said the tricycle was traveling at a high speed and allegedly failed to slow down as it approached the checkpoint, resulting in a collision with the two police officers.
The force of the impact left both patrolmen injured. They were immediately brought to the Quezon Health Center Infirmary, where they received medical attention for injuries sustained in the crash.
The 54-year-old tricycle driver, meanwhile, was not injured in the incident. However, authorities reportedly observed indications that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
The driver was taken to the Quezon MPS for further investigation and processing. The tricycle involved in the incident was also brought to the police station and placed under police custody as part of the investigation.
Authorities are now determining the circumstances surrounding the collision and the possible criminal and traffic-related liabilities of the driver. The investigation will also establish whether other factors contributed to the crash.
Police authorities reiterated their warning against driving under the influence of alcohol, particularly at night and in areas where motorists are expected to slow down and comply with checkpoint procedures.
The incident serves as another reminder of the dangers posed by drunk driving, not only to motorists and passengers but also to police officers, traffic personnel, pedestrians and other road users performing their duties.
Police urged motorists to never drive after drinking alcohol and to make responsible arrangements for transportation instead.
“One wrong decision on the road can put not only the driver’s life at risk, but also the lives of other people,” authorities reminded the public.