BACOLOD CITY – A 37-year-old Indian national involved in the Good Friday crash in Barangay Alangilan was released from police custody recently.
Police Major Joeil Reclamado, head of Police Station 5, confirmed that Jarpreet Singh was released at around 7 p.m. after posting PHP60,000 bail.
Reclamado said Singh’s legal counsel assisted him in the process a day after formal charges were filed with the City Prosecutor’s Office on Monday night.
Singh was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property.
“We have fulfilled our responsibility by filing the case,” Reclamado said.
“It’s now up to him to respond to the complaint in court,” he added.
The charges stem from a fatal accident on April 18, when Singh allegedly drove a multi-purpose vehicle that crashed into a tricycle and plowed into a crowd of Catholic devotees during a religious procession.
The incident killed three individuals and injured 17 others, including two police officers.
Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said they also plan to file a separate case against Singh for violating Republic Act 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
This comes after Singh tested positive for alcohol in a liquor test administered after the incident.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said the city is verifying Singh’s residency status and whether he holds a valid work permit.
Authorities are also reviewing his licenses and permits related to his stay and activities in the city.
“All of these will be investigated, and we will act accordingly,” Benitez said.
Benitez added that the city government has extended medical and psychological support to the victims.
He committed to covering medical expenses as much as possible and described the incident as tragic and unfortunate.
“We have always been generous,” he said.
“We will extend as far as we can,” he added, noting that the city awaits further recommendations from the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) for additional support. (Glazyl Jopson via tdg)