2 killed as jeep rams tree in North Cotabato

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Two commuters were killed while five others were seriously injured after a wayward passenger jeep rammed a huge tree along a highway in Magpet, North Cotabato on Sunday.

Inspector Basilio Parcon, operations officer of the Magpet municipal police, said fatalities Toto Canaan and Ronnie Adlawan died from severe head injuries.

Initial investigations showed that the jeepney's driver, Ronan Cabutaje, lost control of the vehicle when the center bearing of the vehicle's propeller-shaft snapped while maneuvering a downhill curve.

Parcon said the jeepney veered towards the side of the highway and hit a huge tree.

Five more passengers were injured in the accident and rushed to a hospital in Kidapawan City. They were identified as Michael Asam, Marcela Tan, Gay and Arlyn, both surnamed Mendoza, and Jemard Camad.

Parcon said the owner of the ill-fated jeepney has assured to financially help in the burial of Canaan and Abawan and in the medical treatment of the five injured victims.