A radiologic technologist serving as one of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frontliners in Iloilo City died in a road crash on Sunday evening, May 24.

The fatality, identified as Henry Jun Jardio, was driving his motorcycle when a car hit him on Pison Avenue in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district at around 11:16 p.m.

Jardio, 30, of Barangay Bolilao was declared dead on arrival by the time he arrived at the third hospital.

The victim was on his way home from AMOSOUP Seaman’s Hospital where he was working.

Jardio was supposed to get married to his fiancé, Pearl Arroyo, next month.

In a Facebook post, Arroyo expressed grief over the death of Jardio.

“I just lost my riding partner and fiancé at 1am this morning to a drunk car driver.We planned to get married this June, just waited until ma lift ang ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) and mag-open ang mga offices so we can process our documents,” she said.

Arroyo stressed that her partner was a responsible motorcycle rider.

“Together we held safety riding seminars for riders. He was a safety riding advocate and a graduate of Highway Patrol Group’s (HPG) Motorcycle Riding Safety Training,” Arroyo said.

“I am blessed with your life. Many of us were blessed with your life.It hurts, but I truly thank you Lord God for his life. Rest my love, you are now safe in God Almighty’s arms.No more pain, no more tears.” 

Jardio was also a former responder of the Iloilo City Emergency Response (ICER). 

Police Staff Sergeant Jessie Cabial Jr. of Mandurriao Police Station, said the car was driven by an alleged drunk Indian national.

The driver was identified as Harjinder Gil, 44, of Barangay Taft North.

Cabial said Gil tried to escape after the incident but was cornered in Barangay Tabucan after he hit another motorcycle.

The motorcyle’s driver and his two backriders sustained injuries and were brought to different hospitals for treatment.

The three were identified as Bonn Seann Sanz of Barangay San Jose in Molo district, Jhon Chasmer Tupas of Barotac Viejo, and Jane Recaforte of Kalibo, Aklan.

Cabial said criminal charges are now being readied to be filed against the detained suspect.IMT