Who gave the permit?

By Erly C. Garcia

The quest now is to find out who really gave the clearance for the Panay Auto Club (PAC) to hold the drag race competition in Brgy. Dacutan, Dumangas, Iloilo last April 23.

Was it the Land Transportation Office? Or the Department of Public Works and Highways?

Both agencies deny having given permit for the said activity.

But earlier PAC officials claimed that both the LTO and DPWH granted them permit for the holding of the drag race.

LTO regional director Gerard Camiña denied giving permit for the said activity saying it is out of his jurisdiction.

DPWH 2 nd Engineering District assistant district engineer Carlos Salcedo also denied receiving communication from the race organizers.

In a related development, Jun Jucaban, driver of the ill-fated vehicle, posted P30,000 bail Wednesday before Judge Evelio Ilanga of the Dumangas Municipal Trial Court.

The court has also ordered him to submit his counter-affidavit within ten days on the charge filed by the police for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide. 

Lawyer Jeric Jucaban, nephew and counsel of the beleaguered racer said his client is not in hiding contrary to earlier reports that Jucaban already fled the city.

No media interviews were granted, said lawyer explained, only because his client remains in trauma over the incident. 

He assured that they would face the charges and they are willing to help the victims.

Meanwhile, there is no explanation yet as to why the tragic accident happened in the drag racing competition in Brgy. Dacutan, Dumangas, Iloilo over the weekend.

Panay Auto Club (PAC) president Bobby Badilla said they have yet to interview Jucaban, driver of the ill-fated vehicle.

Badilla said, they were informed that Jucaban is still in a state of shock.

While the investigation is ongoing, Badilla, in behalf of their organization, apologized for the tragic accident that killed three persons and injured 18 others.

"As of now our group is focusing on giving assistance to the families of the victims," Badilla said.

Badilla stressed their group together with the municipal government of Dumangas have made everything to ensure the safety of everybody in the drag racing competition.

He said it is "standard operating procedure" among racers to make sure that everything- from the driver, crew, and spectators-are in place and in safe condition.

Badilla stressed they were not negligent in preparing for the big event as all aspects had been taken cared of by the different committees.

The Distura Cup Drag Race was supposed to have been scheduled for two days, April 23 and 24, as part of the activities for the upcoming Dumangas town fiesta.

The tragedy happened early on to the first day of the race. The competition was totally cancelled after the incident.

Reports have it that midway to the 400-meter raceway Jucaban's vehicle, a Toyota Starlet Model 82, swerved to the right lane then careened to the roadside hitting a barangay tanod and several spectators.

Barangay tanod Rolando Palma died on the spot while EmilioDionio expired Saturday afternoon at a hospital due to severe internal injuries.

Another barangay tanod Noel Dequiño died Wednesday while being treated at the Western Visayas Medical Center.

The 18 other victims suffered abrasions and contusions in the different parts of their body.

Dumangas Mayor Rolando Distura assured that the municipal government would help all the victims of the tragedy.

It was learned that this year's race was already the second time to be held in Dumangas as part of the activities for the fiesta celebration. ( With reports from Florence Hibionada)