PNP orders probe on Kalinga accident
13 DIE AS SUV PLUNGES INTO IRRIGATION CANAL
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday ordered a thorough investigation of the vehicular accident in Kalinga on Sunday that claimed the lives of 13 persons, seven of them children.
PNP Gen. Debold Siñas also instructed the PNP-Highway Patrol Group and local police units to strictly enforce land transportation regulations against overloading and other unsafe driving violations.
Siñas said the fatalities drowned inside the vehicle that fell into an irrigation canal.
Cordillera PNP regional director, BGen. Ronald Lee said the accident happened at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday in Bulo, Tabuk City, Kalinga involving a Ford Everest with plate number AAK 9180 driven by Soy Lope Agtula, a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel assigned in Bontoc, Mount Province and a resident of Cagubatan, Tadian.
Initial investigation showed the vehicle came from Tadian heading for Bulo Lake. On board the seven-seater sports utility vehicle were 14 other passengers.
Upon reaching a curved portion of the road, the vehicle skidded and fell into the irrigation canal and submerged into water.
Personnel from the 1st Kalinga Provincial Mobile Force Company and civilian volunteers responded to the incident.
Rescuers brought the 11 victims to the Mija Kim Medical Center but were pronounced dead on arrival while two others were brought to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital where they were likewise declared dead.
The fatalities were identified as Soy Lope Agtulao, 36; Judilyn Talawec Dumayom, 31; Alfredo Cutit Lope, 59; Remedios Longey Basilio, 56; Jessabel Basilio Paycao, 27; Sony Puking Lope, 22; Marlo Gel Perena, 6; Seadarn Talawec Dumayom, 5; Scarlet Basilio Paycao, 3; Jeslyn Talawec Paycao, 4; Cydwin Lope Agtulao, 6; Cyan Lope Agtulao, 4 and Ezverdrick Basilio Paycao, 4.
Edith Andiso Perez, 51, Tabuk local government unit employee and resident of Purok 1, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga and Cyril Lope Agtulao, 10 survived the accident and are now in stable condition.
Siñas reiterated earlier road safety reminders to motorists to “strictly observe load limits and maximum passenger capacity of motor vehicles, as well as the required physical distancing protocol inside public and private conveyances.”
“I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of these victims. May their souls be at peace and I hope that our Creator brings you the much-needed peace during these trying times,” Siñas said.