By I. Inojales | 02:32 PM December 31, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — A 13-year-old altar boy died while his companion remains in critical condition after the motorcycle they were riding crashed on a remote barangay road in Barangay Banlasan, Trinidad town, on Sunday.
The fatality was identified as Jomarie Sumalinog, 13, a Grade 7 student and an altar boy of San Vicente Ferrer Parish Church in Barangay Hinlayagan Ilaya, Trinidad. He succumbed to his injuries at Ramiro Hospital in Tagbilaran City.
His companion, Justin Nuera, 14, who was driving the motorcycle, is currently in critical condition and is receiving treatment at Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, also in Tagbilaran City.
Sumalinog’s family said Jomarie was only a passenger on the motorcycle, while Nuera was the driver. The two were reportedly on their way home after bringing the image of Santo Niño to a household in Barangay Banlasan.
The accident occurred along a curved barangay road, where the motorcycle allegedly met an accident, causing both minors to be thrown off and seriously injured.
According to Onyok Sumalinog, Jomarie’s father, his son was still able to stand after the crash but later vomited blood. He added that the motorcycle driver allegedly applied the hand brake suddenly, causing Jomarie to be thrown off the vehicle and hit his head.
The injured boys were initially brought to Don Emilio del Valle Memorial Hospital before Jomarie was transferred to Tagbilaran City, where he later died.
Authorities have yet to release an official report on the incident.
