The Filipino community in Bahrain is mourning the loss of two nationals who were killed after being mowed down by a speeding motorist in a horrific hit-and-run road accident.
Francisco Abatayo Delostrico and Mario Valdez, were riding with fellow members of the Laspag cycling group when four of them were struck from behind by a car.
Two cyclists at the rear of the group were thrown a distance by the impact, while the pair in front fell under the wheels of the vehicle sustaining fatal injuries.
Community leader Ric Advincula said the tragedy had deeply shaken the closely-knit Filipino diaspora in Bahrain. “These were four friends enjoying a healthy activity in safe weather conditions. What happened to them is heartbreaking for all of us,” he added.
Early morning weekend rides are a popular activity along Zallaq Highway, the location where last weekend’s incident happened, as announced by the Interior Ministry and reported in the GDN.
Philippines Ambassador Gines Jaime Ricardo Gallaga confirmed that the embassy in Manama continued to work closely with all those involved in assisting the victims and their families.
“Two of the cyclists sadly passed away, while two others were injured and are currently recovering following medical care and appear to be doing fine,” he said.
“The embassy has already contacted the next-of-kin, as well as the families of the injured cyclists, and we continue to be in close co-ordination with them.
“We will render the necessary assistance in relation to the formal procedures that will be undertaken.”
He added that the process of repatriation of the bodies of the deceased is proving challenging due to current circumstances, but efforts were ongoing.
“Given the situation, the process is not easy, but the embassy is doing its best to co-ordinate with the families regarding this matter,” he said.
“Some details cannot be shared at this time as the case is under investigation, and it is important to respect the request of the families and allow the investigation to proceed properly.”
Investigations into the accident continue and it is not known whether police have made an arrest at this time.
A poignant video has been released on the cycling group’s social media page, showing the late friends, both keen and experienced cyclists, pursuing their fitness hobby on two wheels, headlined ‘Ride in Peace, Brothers’.
Mr Delostrico, better known as ‘Franz’, a 62-year-old mechanic, had been working in Bahrain for many years, his friends said. Mr Valdez, 47, was a private chauffeur.
Mr Delostrico, left, with Mr Valdez
The ambassador also reflected on the wider context of cycling in Bahrain backing numerous calls for car and lorry drivers to slow down and to be more considerate.
In recent years there have been numerous campaigns to raise greater awareness in a bid to help further protect vulnerable road users such as cyclists.
As the community grieves, prayers and support continue to pour in for the families of the victims and the two survivors, in what has become a painful reminder of the risks faced by cyclists on public roads.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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