Bishop David William Antonio of Ilagan in the northern Philippines survived a car crash on Monday, April 12, and is “well and safe,” said a report from CBCP News.
The report said the bishop did not sustain any injuries after his tire blew out on a highway in Luna town at about 1:30 p.m., causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
“Bishop David is safe now,” said Father Ric-Zeus Angobung, the diocese’s chancellor. He said the prelate’s x-ray results “did not show any alarming indication.”
“We thank all the people who manifested their concern and rendered assistance to him,” said the priest.
The prelate was on his way back to his residence in Gamu town after a brief meeting with Father Angobung in San Mateo town when the accident happened.
“The bishop is now at his residence while under observation for the next 24 hours for any physical and neurological symptoms,” said the priest.
Bishop Antonio was ordained a priest on Dec. 1, 1988, for the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. He earned a Doctorate of Sacred Theology from The Catholic University of America in 1999.
After a few years as professor at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, he was appointed dean of studies, and then rector of the same seminary in 1993.
In 2005 he became pastor of the parish of Santa Lucia, at Ilocos Sur, and later vicar general of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia.
On June 15, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Nueva Segovia and Titular Bishop of Basti.
He was consecrated bishop on Aug. 26, 2011, by Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.
He was named Bishop of the Diocese of Ilagan in Isabela on Nov. 14, 2018.
