Van falls off cliff; 6 dead

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Six persons died while 10 others were injured when their vehicle fell into a ravine in Maddela, Quirino province at dawn yesterday.

The victims, who came from Alicia town in Isabela, were on their way to an excursion in Aurora when they figured in the accident at around 4:30 a.m., according to Chief Inspector Godofredo Wasin, chief of the Maddela police.

The fatalities were identified as van driver Edgar Taccaban and his passengers Macdan Mamauag, 50; Maxy Mamauag, 50; Salcedo Mamauag, 58; Esther Mamauag, 57, and Nora Cadorna, 52.

Investigation showed the van developed engine trouble as it was traveling up the road in Barangay Ysmael, causing the driver to lose control of the wheel.

Meanwhile, in Sorsogon, 22 supporters of presidential frontrunner and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte were injured when their jeepney figured in an accident in Irosin town on Saturday.

Five of the victims were listed in critical condition, according to Senior Inspector Malou Calubaquib, spokesperson for the Bicol police.

Calubaquib said the group was headed to a campaign sortie of Duterte in Sorsogon City when the driver lost control of the wheel at around 12:30 p.m.         – Raymund Catindig, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Celso Amo