MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will investigate a ramming incident involving a military truck that drove past last-minute Christmas Eve shoppers at the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Sunday.
The incident left two persons dead and three injured.
Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, commander of the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command, directed Joint Task Force Haribon to investigate the incident, which involved a KM450 truck assigned to Task Force Davao.
Based on initial reports, PFC Patrick Saguin Trumata had parked the truck near the market with its engine on to urinate.
Crenenandy Cadiente, 44, then reportedly climbed into the driver’s seat and started driving the vehicle, which hit the victims who were waiting for a jeepney ride.
Cadiente was arrested and remains in police custody. His mental health evaluation has yet to be released.
Almerol assured the public that there would be a speedy investigation into their personnel’s potential negligence.
The fatalities were Jamie Lopez Cole, 63, a resident of Km 10 Buhangin District, Cabantian, Davao City and Rocel Luna Haspe, 34, a resident of Barangay Maa, also in Davao City.
Those injured were identified as Teresita Pilapil Tangaro, 45, of Piapi Boulevard; Michael Maghuyop, 44, of Berhen sa Lourdes in Barangay Mandug and Mae Antoneth Anticamara, 20, of Barangay 76-A Bucana.