A priest is in custody after allegedly hitting two motorcyclists and fleeing the scene on a provincial road in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu, on Wednesday.
Police say the incident, which involved both a 24-year-old motorcyclist and a second motorcycle carrying a father and his 21-year-old daughter, left the victims injured and sparked outrage in the community.
According to the Santa Fe Municipal Police Station, the 45-year-old priest, who resides in Argawanon, San Remigio, Cebu, and serves in Bantayan’s Catholic church, was reportedly driving a white car when he collided with the first motorcyclist.
Moments later, he hit the second motorcycle, ridden by a 45-year-old man with his daughter as a passenger.
Police report that the priest fled the scene, leaving the injured victims behind.
Upon police arrival, the victims were already being treated at a nearby hospital. Authorities launched an immediate search, setting up a roadblock that led to the priest’s arrest around 8 p.m.
Investigators later determined that the priest was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. He is now cooperating with police, according to officials, as they proceed with the investigation.
