MANILA, Philippines — Amid the last-minute Christmas shopping at the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City yesterday morning, a military truck drove past, crashing into parked vehicles and killing at least two persons.
The truck, a KM450 assigned to the Army-led Task Force Davao and driven by PFC Patrick Saguin Trumata, was reportedly parked along the road near the market with its engine on at around 5:30 a.m.
The reason? Trumata had to take a quick pee.
But a man, identified as 44-year-old Crenenandy Cadiente, allegedly climbed into the driver’s seat and started driving the vehicle, eventually hitting the victims who were waiting for a jeepney ride.
The San Pedro police station identified the fatalities as Jamie Lopez Cole, 63, a resident of Km10 Buhangin District, Cabantian, Davao City and Rocel Luna Haspe, 34, a resident of Barangay Maa, also in Davao City.
The police reported that the suspect, said to be a resident of Barangay Bucana, drove the truck in a wayward manner, hitting a Yamaha Aerox motorcycle, a Mitsubishi Xpander and a delivery van.
Investigators said the three other victims who suffered injuries were rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center, where they are confined.
The injured were identified as Teresita Pilapil Tangaro, 45, resident of Piapi Boulevard; Michael Maghuyop, 44, of Berhen sa Lourdes in Barangay Mandug; and Mae Antoneth Anticamara, 20, a resident of Barangay 76-A Bucana.
Cadiente, who is said to be suffering from mental health problems, was immediately arrested.
He remains under police custody.
The police is also coordinating with the city social welfare and city health offices in dealing with the suspect. — Diana Lhyd Suelto