3 killed as bus rams truck, car in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - At least three persons were killed while two others were injured when a passenger bus rammed a light cargo truck and a private car Saturday in Ramon Magsaysay town, Zamboanga del Sur, police said here.

The victims were identified as Julio Labadan dela Cerna, 61, of Barangay Campo IV, Ramon Magsaysay town; Fernando Gallano Labadan, 68, and Gracel Labadan, 35, all residents of Barangay Sicpao, Mahayag town while those injured were Lorca Gallano Labalan, 2, and an unidentified truck crew.

Chief Superintendent Miguel Antonio, Western Mindanao police director, said the victims were on board their light truck locally known as ‘bongo’ when it was rammed by a passenger bus driven by Sanny Kabasalan Santa-Romana, 38, about 9 a.m. at in Poblacion, Ramon Magsaysay.

Antonio said investigation disclosed that the bus, packed with passengers, was speeding toward Molave town when it encountered mechanical failure and lost its brake, ramming the light truck.

He said due to the impact, the bus dragged the smaller truck for 21 meters before hitting another sport utility vehicle driven by Jover Lim Constantino, 34.

No one from the bus or private vehicle was injured or hurt.

Responding military personnel from 102nd Army Brigade reported that Fernando died on the spot while Dela Cerna and Gracel died in the hospital.