A deadly Valentine’s Day accident at the South Road Properties (SRP) has prompted Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival to call on developer Filinvest to immediately open unfinished pedestrian footbridges and walkways in the area, stressing that safer crossings could prevent similar tragedies.
In a press briefing on Monday, February 16, Archival said at least one overpass is already in place but remains closed to the public.
“Actually, sa tinuod lang naa na na siya, wala pa lang nahuman. Gitawagan nako ang team sa Filinvest nga ma-open na unta na,” the mayor said.
He also noted that another elevated walkway is planned near the Nustar complex, but its completion could take six months to a year.
“There is another walkway naa sa ibabaw somewhere Nustar but it’ll probably take time, six months to one year. But karon gihangyo sa Filinvest nga i-open na as soon as possible kay if naa lang to, dili unta mahitabo, madisgrasya sila,” Archival added.
The appeal comes days after an elderly couple was killed while crossing the SRP highway on Saturday evening, February 14.
The victims, identified as 67-year-old Salvador Geraldizo Jr. and 68-year-old Cecilia Geraldizo of Tupas Street, Barangay Sawang Calero, were struck while crossing from the center island around 7 p.m.
Police said a delivery truck traveling in the middle lane toward the city center hit the couple.
The driver, 38-year-old Charlie Alcontin of Sitio Sagay, Barangay Bonbon, is in custody and told authorities that the victims suddenly turned back while crossing, leading to the collision.
The impact threw the couple onto the pavement, causing severe injuries.
They were rushed to Cebu City Medical Center but were declared dead on arrival.
Alcontin is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide.
The SRP is a high-speed corridor with commercial developments where pedestrian movement frequently intersects with heavy traffic.
The latest incident has renewed public calls for better safety measures, including fully functional footbridges and designated walkways.
Archival urged residents to use overpasses once they are accessible and avoid crossing at street level.
“Akong hangyo is not only in SRP, please if naay overpass didto lang mo agi, dili adto sa ubos kay prone kaayo sa disgrasya,” he said. (LLP)
Photo by Truly Cebu
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