No foul play in death of DepEd sec, says PNP

Philippine National Police Headquarters / Wikipedia Photo

MANILA – Police authorities said on Monday that they have ruled out the possibility of foul play in the death of Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Francis Varela.

According to Baras police chief Senior Inspector Joseph Macatangay, Valera died in a big bike accident over the weekend. Valera, the undersecretary for finance and administration of DepEd,  was found dead in Baras, Rizal.

Macatangay said that they see Varela’s death as a “self inflicted” accident as the victim “did not come in contact with any other vehicle,” when it happened.

On Saturday morning, the 47-year-old education executive was on his way back to Manila after spending breakfast with a group of fellow biking enthusiasts in a resort in Tanay, Rizal.

Reports said that Valera was driving his motorbike together with seven riders in Marcos Highway in Barangay Pinugay when the mishap happened.

“He was the second (rider in life). There was this sharp, blind curve and it seemed he failed to hit the brake,” said Macatangay.

Macatangay added that the rider behind him, who was about seven meters away, witnessed the incident.

Because of the impact, Varela separated from his bike and hit his bead on the roadside metal railings. Although he was wearing a helmet, he sustained head injuries, according to Macatangay.

He added that the victim was declared dead when he arrived at the Antipolo City Community Hospital.