A 77-year-old woman was killed after reportedly being hit by a vehicle driven by the mayor of Sikatuna in front of the public market in Barangay Poblacion, Catigbian at 2:20 p.m. on Friday.
Police identified the victim as Alfonsa Duterte, a widow resident of Barangay Cang-Iras, Catigbian.
Authorities have yet to verify if the victim was related to President Rodrigo Duterte whose grandmother traced her roots to Maribojoc.
According to SPO1 Abundio Jumamoy of the Catigbian police, Mayor Jose Ellorimo Jr.,54, was driving a Ford Everest from Sikatuna to Clarin when he accidentally hit Duterte who was crossing the street.
Duterte who was severely injured due to the collision was immediately rushed to the Catigbian District Hospital.
At 3:44 p.m. on the same day, attending physician Dr. Warlito Cabatingan Jr. declared Duterte dead as she succumbed to her injuries.
Ellorimo has met with Cang-Iras Barangay Captain Edwin Duterte, Alfonsa’s son, to arrange a settlement which the latter accepted.
The mayor assured Duterte that he will take care of his mother’s funeral and will be extending financial aid to their family.
After the settlement was made, Ellorimo was released from police custody including his vehicle. (Rey Tutas)