4 soldiers die in Samar road mishap

MANILA, Philippines — Four Army soldiers died in a road accident in Samar yesterday.

Police have yet to release the names of the fatalities with ranks of sergeant, staff sergeant and second lieutenant pending notification of their family members.

Probers said a wing van truck driven by a certain Elvin Milanes hit a tricycle, causing the truck to swerve and hit a Toyota Hilux carrying the soldiers. The driver of the pickup, also a soldier, was among those who died.

Seven other persons, including two other soldiers, were injured and brought to the Samar Provincial Hospital in Catbalogan City for treatment. 

The truck driver was arrested.

In Isabela, four persons died when a tricycle collided with a truck in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabatuan, Isabela  on Monday.

Police said the truck hit the tricycle in the opposite lane while overtaking another vehicle.

The tricycle driver, Wilson Guillermo, 56, died at the scene. His passengers Jerry Yu, 61; Jalhen Acosta, 19, and Juanita Iglesia, 69, died while being treated in a hospital.

A manhunt for the truck driver identified as Marvin de Guzman, said to be a resident of Barangay San Pedro, Mallig, is underway.

In Ilocos Sur, Ricardo Bangsaliw, 56, died when his motorcycle rammed an electric post in Barangay Paltoc, San Emilio, also on Monday.