Actor, tv host Eagle Riggs hospitalized in Palawan

Actor and television host Michael Pangilinan Riggs, also known as “Eagle” Riggs, met an accident Sunday morning while crossing Rizal Avenue Extension in front of Ka Inato, Barangay Bancao-Bancao.

Riggs, 52, said Monday that he was hit by a motorcycle around 5:00 in the morning while crossing the street to buy water on the other side of the road from Lugawan ni Etan.

“Two steps more sa sidewalk na ako biglang may tumama na lang sa akin na hindi ko alam kung ano. Ang kuwento na lang sa akin ng mga nakakita, ako raw ay umikot at bumagsak, mukha ko raw ‘yong nahulog,” he said.

According to a police spot report, Riggs was walking across the road from Lugawan ni Etan going to the other side but upon reaching the middle portion of road, he was accidentally hit by a speeding Honda TMX 155 motorcycle being driven by Rey Vincent A. Pacaldo, 30, construction worker, and a resident of Brgy. Bagong Silang.

“Five to ten minutes, paggising ko na lang may nagdi-drip na dugo at may nakahawak na sa akin,” Riggs said.

Riggs sustained injuries and was brought to the Ospital ng Palawan (ONP) for medical treatment. He was transferred to Cooperative Hospital for an operation on his right leg.

He also said that Pacaldo’s motorcycle has no headlight, has an expired certificate of registration, and has no third party liability insurance.

Pacaldo was found to be positive of alcohol.

Riggs also got an injury on his left eye but the ophthalmologist assured that it has no effect in his vision and will heal eventually.

“Kailangan sila ang mag-shoulder ng expenses ko dito kasi ‘yong sa akin, wala akong pera. ‘Yong show ko sa Tataboom, gratis ‘yon because the owner is a good friend of mine. Ang gusto kong mangyari ay bayaran niya ‘yong hospitalization ko,” he said.

Riggs arrived on August 14 for a show on August 17, mentioning that he had set plans to roam around the city before going back to Manila on August 26.

Riggs also want the suspect to be put in jail so what will happen to him will serve as a lesson to motorists. He said he has already filed a case at the fiscal’s office against Pacaldo.

Pacaldo will face reckless imprudence resulting to physical injuries.

The Dating Daan and some of his friends in Puerto Princesa City extended financial support to the medication and hospitalization of Riggs.

“Importante ang buhay, dapat pinapahalagahan natin, kung meron kang maapektuhan na buhay, mapipilayan, mabubulagan mo siya, how can that person function well? Let this be a lesson to those people na hindi masyadong bina-value ang buhay. You should be safe hindi lang para sayo kung hindi para sa mga taong mababangga mo,” he said.