DOH on Nurse Hit-and-Run: Protect Our COVID-19 Frontliners

The Department of Health on Friday mourned the death of Renz Perez, the 23-year-old nurse who was killed after a pick-up truck struck him while he was riding a bicycle in Manila last weekend.

"(His) untimely death only serves to amplify the call to protect our frontliners, most especially our healthcare workers, during the COVID-19 pandemic," the DOH said in a statement. "We reiterate the call for local government units (LGUs) to roll out protected bicycle lanes as soon as possible."

The DOH urged authorities to be proactive in keeping road users — especially those using light mobility — safe and apprehend violators immediately. It also reminded motorists to share the road and show respect to cyclists and pedestrians.

"They have just as much right to use the road as motorists do. We must all do our part to create roads and comunities are safe and accessible to all."

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno also extended his condolences to Perez' family via Facebook: "Nanawagan din po kami sa suspek na sumuko na at makipagtulungan na sa mga otoridad sa lalong madaling panahon."