20 hurt as bus falls off canal in Zambo Sibugay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 20 people, mostly teachers from Basilan, were injured when the bus they were riding fell into a canal shortly after midnight Friday in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. was heading for this city from Marawi when it figured in an accident in Barangay Monching, Siay town at about 12:46 a.m., according to Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño of the Police Regional Office 9.

Investigation showed bus driver Charlito Buot, 48, tried to avoid hitting a truck causing the bus to fall.

Most of the injured passengers were teachers and delegates of the recently concluded Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (ARMMAA) held in Marawi.

The victims were brought to the hospital at the nearby town of Kabasalan for treatment. They were declared in safe condition.

The accident was the second for the ARMMAA representatives from the southern island province.

On Feb. 9, a teacher was killed while 13 others, including school officials and students, were injured when the van they were riding plunged into a ravine in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The victims, all delegates for ARMMAA were on their way to Marawi, when the accident occurred in Buug town.