In a sorrowful turn of events, a road accident on the Bagacay-Maharlika Highway in Tacloban City claimed the life of a newly-elected village chief on Friday, November 10. Niña Danica Bayona, 28, who had recently triumphed in the barangay elections as the chairperson of Sampaguita in Dagami town, was involved in the fatal incident.
The accident occurred when a tricycle collided with the motorcycle that Bayona and her husband, Police Corporal Leomer Bayona, 30, were riding. The couple was navigating the highway stretch from Diit-Maharlika at the time of the mishap. The impact of the collision was severe, resulting in both being ejected from their motorcycle. Tragically, Niña Danica Bayona succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Leomer Bayona sustained injuries in the accident. The tricycle driver, identified as Bernie Gacoscosim, 32, was found to be without a driver’s license. Following the incident, Gacoscosim has been detained by the Tacloban City Police Office. He faces charges of reckless imprudence leading to homicide and serious physical injury.
This incident casts a shadow over the community, particularly following the recent barangay elections. The loss of a promising leader like Bayona is a significant blow to her village, where she was poised to make impactful contributions.