Raps filed vs jeepney driver in Abra crash

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines --  The driver, who was reportedly drunk in the fatal highway tragedy in hinterland Licuan-Baay town in Abra, was formally charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and serious multiple physical injuries.

Abra police were able to prove Victor Pacio, 44, who drove the overloaded passenger jeepney that plunged into a ravine Saturday evening in sitio Galitungan, Barangay Nalbuan, Licuan-Baay, was under the influence of alcohol, citing examination results by a government physician.

Police said  the brakes of the overloaded jeepney loosened and plunged into a meter-deep canal, killing five and injuring 47.

Pacio was ferrying the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program beneficiaries from a gathering when he sensed that the braking system failed, choosing to plunge the vehicle into the canal instead of diving the vehicle into a very deep ravine.

The fatalities were sisters Noreen Claire and Norie Mae Dimple Tugadi, aged 8 and 10 respectively; Eslomin Colangan, 43; Melba Millare; and Veronica Tucio.

The passenger jeepney had more passengers than its maximum of 23.