13 dead as SUV falls into Kalinga canal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Thirteen people drowned when a sport utility vehicle (SUV) plunged into an irrigation canal in Tabuk, Kalinga on Sunday night.

The fatalities including seven children were related to each other, according to the Cordillera police.

Two were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

The victims were identified as jail officer Soy Agtulao, 36, who was driving the SUV; Alfredo Lope, 59; Remedios Basilio, 56; Judilyn Dumayom, 31; Jessabel Paycao, 27; Sony Lope, 22; Marlo Gel Perena, 6; Cydwin Agtulao, 6;  Seadarn Dumayom, 5;  Jeslyn Paycao, 4; Cyan Agtulao, 4; Ezverdcrick Paycao, 4, and Scarlet Paycao, 3.

Edith Perez, 51, and Cyril Agtulao, 10, survived and were in stable condition as of yesterday, authorities said.

Eleven of the victims were declared dead on arrival at the Mejia Kim Medical Center in Barangay Agbannawag.

Two others died at the Kalinga Provincial Hospital in Barangay Bulanao.

Reports said that the victims were in a six-seater Ford Everest and headed to the Bulo Lake when Agtulao lost control of the wheel.

The vehicle skidded into the canal located in Barangay Bulo at around 6:15 p.m.

Reports said rescuers had a hard time opening the door of the vehicle to extract the victims.

Meanwhile, in La Union, a town councilor and his friend died when their motorcycle hit a road signage in Bangar town.

Edwin Belisoa Jr., 25, of the Sudipen municipal council, and Ronald Lipurada, 26, died at the scene of the accident that occurred in Barangay Blas shortly before midnight on Sunday.

The victims were taken to the Balaoan District Hospital where Lipurada was declared dead on arrival.

Belisoa died while being treated, police said. – Neil Jayson Servallos, Raymund Catindig, Cesar Ramirez