5 dead in road accidents

MANILA, Philippines — Five persons died in road accidents in Zambales and Negros Occidental in the past two days.

Two motorcycle riders died when their vehicle collided with a pickup in Barangay Palanginan in Iba, Zambales yesterday.

Vincent Cruz, 22, and Raniel Esguerra, 19, were declared dead on arrival at the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital.

Probers said the accident occurred when the driver of the pickup, who was heading north, suddenly made a left turn.

The driver of the pickup, Rafael Calimlim, 34, and his passenger were unhurt.

In Negros Occidental, three persons died and 36 others were injured when a public utility vehicle (PUV) rammed a tree along the highway in Barangay Malatas in Calatrava on Friday.

The fatalities were identified as Rochelle Visitacion, 32; Elma Baynosa, 72, and Aranita Agravante, 63.

Maj. Lumyaen Lidawan, Calatrava police chief, said the driver of the PUV, Jose Florencondia, lost control of the wheel when the brake malfunctioned.

The PUV also crashed into two motorcycles then plowed into a sari-sari store.

Florecondia was arrested.