14 killed, 13 hurt in Cagayan road mishap

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines  - Fourteen people, mostly students, were killed and 13 were injured when a 30-seater passenger jeepney and a trailer truck collided in Cagayan province early yesterday morning.

Reports said the jeepney was wrecked and the heads of the fatalities were crushed.

The jeepney passengers were reportedly on their way back to Tuguegarao City after a weekend vacation.

Cagayan Valley police director Senior Superintendent Moro Lazo said the truck was traveling at high speed when one of its tires burst, causing the driver to lose control and veer into the opposite lane.

Chief Inspector Rotillo de Laza, Piat town police chief, identified the fatalities as Roselle Valiente, 19, student of Saint Louis University (SLU) Tuguegarao City; Eduardo Oarle, 18 and Fatima Daliuag, 19, students at the Central Colleges Tuguegarao; Jinky Ramos, 21, student at SLU; Lindsay Ramirez, 21, student; Roda Mae Daloza, 18, student at the Cagayan State University; Armand Cadeliña; Pepe Artida, 55, employee of provincial government; Randy Dumas, 33, company driver; Rogelio Ibarra, 59, of the Department of Public Works and Highways; Princess Belen; Renz Paolo Lazo: and Faustino and Corazon Arguero.

The injured passengers were taken to a clinic in Piat town and later transferred to Saint Paul Hospital in Tuguegarao City for medical treatment.

Inspector Rodel Tabulog, Santo Niño town police chief, said Faustino Arguero, a minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo, and his wife always took the late trips when going to Tuguegarao.

“We were not aware they took the first trip as they usually took later trips every time they go out of town for Tuguegarao or elsewhere,” he said.

“Definitely, it was a tragedy nobody wanted to happen,” Francis Cabrito, an INC member, said. “The death of the two is definitely a big loss.”

Reports said the accident occurred along the national highway at Barangay Villarey in Piat town, some two hours from the provincial capital.

The jeepney driven by Noli Nogeras had come from Santo Niño town, while Freight Service trailer truck driven by Joey Salvador was on its way to the Cagayan Robina Sugar Milling Corp. in Piat to load sugar, reports added.

Charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and serious physical injuries are being readied against the truck and jeepney drivers. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe