1 dead, 5 hurt in Tabogon accident

CEBU, Philippines - One person was killed while five others, including two minors, were injured in a road accident involving a private car, a multicab, a closed van and a Ceres bus on the national highway in Barangay Libjo, Tabogon town, Thursday past 2 p.m.

Loreto Armero, 41, of Barangay Goyong, Borbon, was killed after he was thrown off multicab.

Those injured were Mar-in Mondero, 20; Vincent Armero, 16; Geralda Mondero, 54; and Laiza Armero, eight, all of Barangay Goyong. They were on board the Rusco Suzuki pick-up type multicab with license plate numbers YHK 517 driven by Inocentes Mondero, of Barangay Don Gregorio Antigua.

Also injured was, Lester Idaño, 21, of Barangay Hagnaya, San Remigio town, a passenger of the Ceres bus with license plate numbers FVZ 127 driven by Arnel Tul-id, of Barangay Caduawan, Tabogon.

Victims were rushed to the Severo Verallo District Hospital for treatment.

Tabogon police chief Insp. Welther Grapa said one of the vehicles involved was a Toyota Corolla Sedan with license plate numbers GHT 304, of Guillermo Bunjag, of Barangay Pit-os, Cebu City. It was parked along the road as passengers were busy distributing relief goods to typhoon victims.

The multicab boarded by most of the injured was approached the car,  tailed by the Fuzo Fighter closed van with license plate numbers GNC 910 driven by Melvin Andilab, 42, of Pagadian City and temporarily residing in East Poblacion, Barangay Tayud, Consolacion.

Grapa said the multicab maneuvered left so as to pass by the car. But, before it could do so, the close van hit the rear portion of the multicab.

"Paingon unta ni mugawas ang multicab kay gasunod man siya sa awto unya nakalitan ang closed van mao to naigo," Grapa explained in a phone interview, adding that the multicab also rammed the rear portion of the car.

Grapa added that due to the strong impact, Loreto was thrown off the vehicle and into the pavement while others suffered injuries.

"Natagak siya sa multicab unya nabangil iyang ulo sa ligid sa closed van," Grapa said.

The Ceres bus driven by Arnel Tul-id, of Barangay Caduawan, Tabogon, was travelling in the opposite lane when it was also hit by the closed van.

Grapa said they detained Andilab; however the family of the victim is reportedly planning to amicably settle the matter with the driver. — (FREEMAN)