Van falls into ravine; 3 dead

BUTUAN, Philippines — Three persons died and eight others were seriously injured when a van owned by the local government of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur fell into a 20-meter ravine in Purok 2 Barangay De Oro in this city yesterday.

Butuan police public information officer Maj. Emerson Alipit said the fatalities, Roderick Lamigo, 49; Michael Apaap, 44, and Luther Deguito, 27, suffered head injuries.

Initial investigation showed the driver of the Toyota Hi-Ace, Ernie Lozada, 55, lost control of the wheel while driving down a curved portion of the road and rammed the steel barrier.

The victims were supposed to go to the regional offices of the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine Statistics Authority for appointments for their job requirements.