2 dead in separate incidents involving motorcycle endurance race riders

Two motorcycle riders—one in Dagupan City and the other in San Juan, La Union—were killed in road accidents involving participants of a motorcycle endurance challenge, while in Isabela another person was injured by yet another competitor.

According to a report on 24 Oras by GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon's Russel Simorio on Monday, rider Dexter Dizu was killed on the National Highway in Barangay Bonuan Boquig after colliding with another motorcycle rider. The other rider was taking part in the endurance challenge. 

"Wasak dito niya, makikita mo buto niya. Inaayos pa ng embalsamador kaya naka-scotch tape po," said the victim's widow, Sherly Dizu.

In San Juan, La Union, another motorcycle rider also figured in a fatal collision involving a challenge participant. According to the police, the competitor was overtaking when the victim transferred from the other lane at the same time. 

"Hindi mo naman kasi pwedeng pigilan 'yang mga motorista kasi dadaan din sila. 'Yung mga participant sila na lang mag-adjust na dadaan," said San Juan Police Station chief Police Major Jason Dolipas. "Pero nakabantay kami sa intersection, 'yun ang binabantayan namin na biglang susulpot na sasakyan."

In San Agustin, Isabela, one person was injured who collided with yet another challenge participant. He was taken to the hospital.

According to the police, the organizers of the motorcycle endurance challenge had coordinated with them for the security of the event, but the competitors reach high speeds during the event, which requires participants to complete a 1,200-kilometer route within 24 hours. 

GMA Integrated News is still trying to reach the organizers of the Boss Ironman Challenge for comment. But police said the challenge organizers and the participants in question have vowed to help the fatalities' families with the expenses incurred after the incidents. 

PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the incidents will be investigated. He also said the police could help with road safety for such events but that inter-agency coordination would be better.

"I think the PNP can only do so much, but we want to give our best. More on sa organizers 'yan eh, but we are willing to help and do an inter-agency coordination with them," he said. — BM, GMA Integrated News