4 killed, 7 hurt as truck rams boulder in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Four persons were killed and seven others were hurt as a six-wheeler truck lost control and rammed a boulder along the highway in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo on Monday night, police said.

The fatalities were identified as Franklin Jamillarin, 18; Jose Peñaflorida; Raul de la Cruz, Sr., 45; and Richard Consumo Jr., 28. Wounded were Delmar Allanza, 19; Jonel de la Cruz, 19; Frankee Jamillarin, 16; Tito Basios; Joey Casipi, 16; Jonel Casipe; and truck driver Rolando Doquila, 45.

The Manila-bound truck, owned by former mayor Rey Grabato of Mina, Iloilo, was carrying the victims and 310 sacks of palay when its brakes malfunctioned while traversing a downhill portion of the highway in Barangay Puerto Princesa, Barotac Viejo town.

To prevent the truck from smashing into another vehicle, the driver decided to ram it into the boulder, causing the truck to roll over, with the victims buried under the sacks of palay.

In another mishap, five vehicles collided along the North Luzon Expressway in San Simon, Pampanga last Sunday, resulting in injuries to four persons, according to a belated report.

Hurt were Jessica Tan, 18; Flordelita Perona, 61; Jacquie Chevalier, 62; and Will Chevalier, 45. – With Ric Sapnu, Cecille Suerte Felipe