CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A 28-year-old radiologic technologist was killed after a car allegedly driven by her husband veered toward the roadside and slammed into her and the motorcycle she was riding following a reported argument between them.
Now, the 36-year-old nurse is facing a parricide complaint as police investigate whether Thursday morning’s devastating collision was a deliberate act.
Ivy Berjame Tingson, a Radiologic Technologist I at Northeastern Misamis General Hospital, died after the crash along R.N. Pelaez Boulevard in Barangay Kauswagan at around 5.30am on September 3.
The motorcycle rider carrying her, 33-year-old Jeric Cantago, was also seriously injured and remains in critical condition, according to his family.
Police said the crash unfolded after Tingson reportedly left following an argument with her husband and booked an online motorcycle ride.
Investigators are now examining whether the grayish-blue Toyota Vios allegedly driven by her husband, Paul Christian Roque, was intentionally directed toward her.
The car suddenly moved toward the roadside
According to the initial police investigation, Cantago was riding his Honda XRM motorcycle when the Toyota Vios approached from the opposite direction.
Police said the car suddenly moved toward the side of the road where Tingson was located. The vehicle allegedly struck Tingson before colliding with Cantago’s motorcycle.
But the destruction did not end there. The Toyota Vios continued forward, crashing into a fruit stand and a parked Hyundai Eon before finally coming to a stop.
Tingson and Cantago both suffered severe injuries. Responding personnel from Oro Rescue rushed them to the hospital, but Tingson later died from her injuries.
Husband allegedly fled before surrendering
Police said Roque allegedly left the scene after the collision and went to his residence.
Authorities later launched a follow-up operation and located him. He subsequently surrendered to personnel from Police Station 4-Carmen, police said.
Roque was detained at the Maharlika Detention Cell while the Toyota Vios and other vehicles involved in the crash were taken into the custody of the Traffic Enforcement Unit for examination.
Authorities have since filed a parricide complaint against Roque in connection with his wife’s death.
The filing of a complaint does not establish guilt, and Roque remains entitled to due process.
Police investigate events before the crash
Investigators are now piecing together the events that led to the deadly collision. Initial information gathered by police indicated that the couple had argued before Tingson left and booked the motorcycle ride.
Police are also investigating reports that Roque believed his wife was involved with another man.
Authorities have not established that this was a motive. The exact circumstances surrounding the collision — including whether the vehicle was deliberately directed toward Tingson and the motorcycle — remain under investigation.
Investigators are expected to examine the vehicles, physical evidence from the crash scene and witness accounts.
Family raises concerns over troubled marriage
Tingson’s relatives said the couple had allegedly been experiencing serious marital problems for some time. Family members also expressed their belief that the collision may have been intentional.
Those claims remain allegations, however, and investigators must establish the facts through physical evidence and witness testimony.
Other allegations circulating following the crash — including claims concerning Roque’s alleged illegal drug use, a reported rehabilitation stint and employment-related issues — have not been independently established by authorities.
Police have also not publicly confirmed whether substance use played any role in the collision.
‘Dedicated and compassionate’ healthcare worker
Tingson’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from relatives, friends, and fellow healthcare workers.
Northeastern Misamis General Hospital mourned the loss of its colleague, describing Tingson as a dedicated and compassionate member of its healthcare team. The hospital said her commitment to patients and colleagues would remain part of her legacy.
Her remains were reportedly brought to Butuan, where her family is expected to arrange her wake and burial.
Friends and relatives have since posted messages calling for justice. One close friend wrote of the pain of losing Tingson and expressed regret that people around her may not have known the full extent of the struggles she was allegedly facing.
The messages have added to growing calls for a thorough investigation.
Motorcycle rider fights for his life
Meanwhile, the innocent motorcycle rider caught up in the crash remains in critical condition. Cantago’s family said he was simply working as an online motorcycle rider when the collision happened.
He is now confined in the intensive care unit of Northern Mindanao Medical Center. Relatives said he suffered severe injuries, including extensive damage to one of his legs, and doctors were monitoring his condition before surgery.
His family has been pooling its resources to pay his mounting medical bills, but said the cost of his treatment is becoming increasingly difficult to meet.
They have appealed for prayers and financial assistance as Cantago continues to fight for his life.
Investigation continues
The case has raised disturbing questions about what happened in the minutes before Tingson was killed. Investigators must now determine exactly how the Toyota Vios moved toward the victims — and whether the collision was a tragic accident or an intentional act.
Authorities will also examine possible criminal liability arising from Tingson’s death, Cantago’s serious injuries and the damage to vehicles and roadside property.
In the meantime, Roque remains in police custody as the investigation and legal proceedings continue. The allegations against him have yet to be tested in court, and his guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined through the proper legal process.
About The Author
