Batangas road mishap leaves 1 dead

BATANGAS, Philippines – A motorcycle driver died while six others were injured when a shuttle bus rammed at least six vehicles in Malvar town shortly before noon Friday. 

Town police chief Senior Inspector Alberto Fabregas identified the fatality as Manuelito Buizon of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and the injured as Ronie Manalo, Shiela Bunon, Gilbert Flores, Ariston Tana, Enrique Villamer and Rosemarie dela Peña.

The victims were taken to the CP Reyes Hospital and Mercado Hospital in Tanauan City for treatment.

Reports said the shuttle bus was traveling along the highway in Barangay Luta Norte when it developed engine trouble at around 11:30 a.m.

Driver Raymond Maranan lost control of the wheel, causing the bus to hit a Nissan Urvan, two cars, a Suzuki van and two motorcycles.

Maranan escaped but was arrested in a followup operation at his residence in Barangay Matala, Ibaan town.

Authorities were preparing to file charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple physical injuries against Maranan.

14 hurt in Benguet accidents

Meanwhile, in Benguet, 14 persons were injured in separate road accidents in Tuba and Sablan towns on Friday afternoon.

Victory Liner bus driver Rannie Wapson and his passengers – Rowena Doctolero, 21; Vincent Adorable, 21; Julie Ann Pagnas, 27; Mario Supsupin, 65; Luisa Balansat, 47; John Elmer Joseph Perez, 17; Keith Lamonera, 17, and Mark Alfin Prado, 20 – were taken to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) for treatment.

Chief Inspector Jim Hilario, Tuba police chief, said the bus was traveling toward the town proper when it rear-ended a 10-wheeler truck.

In Sablan town, Bastilia Barawa, 55; Merly Walsen, 33; Grace Barawa, 56, and Florinda Bestre, 41, were taken to the BGHMC for treatment after their jeep fell into a ravine in Barangay Peppa. – With Raymund Catindig