On friday the 13th: 4 killed as van collides with bus

CEBU, Philippines —  At least four persons were killed and four others were injured in a collision between a van-for-hire and a Ceres bus along the national highway in Sitio Ipil-Ipil, Barangay Estaca, Compostela town, Cebu yesterday dawn.

The fatalities were identified as Gil Dyrul Preciados, 38; Mark Abraham Villana, 36; Maricel Olasiman, 38; and Junree Arojado Gogo, 24.

The van driver, identified as Patrick Niel Tulo, resident of Barangay Tapilon, Daanbantayan, was among those injured and is reportedly in critical condition. His injured passengers were Lord Ian Igot, 38, of Lapu-Lapu City; William Lasandera, 37, of Bogo City; and Mark Lester Briones, of Daanbantayan.

Initial investigation revealed that the van was heading to Cebu City from Daanbantayan when it collided head-on with the Ceres bus driven by Jerry Lubon, 32, resident of Bogo City. The bus was on its way to the north.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director Col. Roderick Mariano said Lubon and other witnesses claimed that the van was allegedly over speeding while trying to overtake a truck.

“Nag overtake sya sa isang sasakyan, hindi siguro umabot,” Mariano said.

Lubon told the police that he was running at a normal speed and was on his lane when it happened. The van was totally wrecked because of the impact.

“Hinay ra man akong dagan sir mga 40 to 50 kilometer per hour ra kay gamay ra man akong karga, ni counter-flow na’ng V-hire unya kusog kaayo mao to nga wala nako makalikay,” Lubon said.

The provincial police commander has ordered the Compostela police to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine who was at fault. The bus driver is temporarily detained at the town police station pending investigation.

Whoever is at fault will be facing criminal complaints for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple serious physical injuries and damage to properties.

The police are also looking at the possible liabilities of the V-hire operator. FPL (FREEMAN)