12 hurt in jeepney accident

CEBU, Philippines - At least 12 persons were injured after two passenger jeepneys figured in a traffic accident past 2 a.m. yesterday near the Basilica del Sto. Niño church on corner Osmeña Boulevard and D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu City.

The victims were identified as Ryan Pialago, 21; Arnel Boyonas, 23, Christian Labaria, 15, Kennedy Lauron, 24; and Jonap Borlado, 24, all are residents in the different barangays of Mandaue City.

The rest of the wounded are Railyn Sasil, 28, of Bulacao-Pardo; Armand Cantancio, 20, of Don P. Rodriguez St.; Joey Beqemy Ariar, 24; Maricel Librado, 28; and Muguelito Caroy, 22, all of Cebu City and Junrey Calo, 26, of Bangkal, Lapu-Lapu City.

Jemel Potestad, the driver of 21B jeepney (GWA-802 ) with Mandaue City to Cebu City route, was also injured.

Jovel Gumamera, driver of the other jeepney, with 11A body marking (GXF-624), plying the route Inayawan to Cebu City proper and vice versa was unharmed.

Investigation showed that the 11A jeepney, which was carrying two passengers, was already at corner Osmeña Boulevard when the 21B vehicle, which was carrying nine passengers, suddenly bumped it.

The 21B jeepney was running towards the opposite direction when it accidentally sideswiped the other vehicle.

In an attempt to possibly avoid a head-on collision, Potestad (21B) allegedly tried to control his vehicle and bumped into a concrete electrical post.

Paramedics from the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) took the injured victims to the Cebu City Medical Center.

The police report showed that the victims only sustained minor bruises and wounds on their bodies and are now out of danger. — Niña G. Sumacot/WAB (THE FREEMAN)