The brother of Olympic silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco who was driving his motorcycle when he was hit by a truck in what appeared to be a “hit-and-run” accident in Bacolod City Monday is now comatose, City Police Traffic Management Unit head, Chief Insp. Luisito Acebuche.

Acebuche said a life support system is what is keeping Lauro Velasco, 48, of Brgy. Antipuluhan, Bago City, Negros Occidental, alive at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

He said the Velasco family is waiting for the arrival of one of his children from abroad before deciding whether turn off his life support system.

Investigation conducted by Police Officer 2 Eliseo Adraneda showed that Velasco was on his Yamaha motorcycle and was heading south of Gatuslao Street, while the truck was heading east of Burgos Street at about 11:15 p.m. Monday when the accident happened.

The driver, Fernando Baltazar, Jr., 34, of Brgy. Guinhalaran in Silay City, accompanied by the truck owner, surrendered to Acebuche at about 11 a.m.

Baltazar said he ran after the accident on Monday as he was afraid that bystanders would maul him. He said Velasco’s motorcycle was running at a fast speed and suddenly crossed his path.

Baltazar apologized to the family of Velasco saying that he did not intend to flee from his responsibilities, and that he regretted that the accident happened.

Acebuche said Baltazar will be held at Police Station 1 and charges will be filed against him.*APN

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