Cops: Truck driver was not drunk

CEBU, Philippines —  The driver of the mini drump truck that got into an accident in Boljoon town that resulted in the death of nine people and the injury of 15 others tested negative for liquor.

Boljoon Police Station chief, Police Lieutenant Roland Pogoy, said a breathalyzer test they did on Danielo Nieres proved negative. However, they are still waiting for the official medical results just to be sure.

“Sa breath test sa among investigator, wala man siya maka-inom. Pero huwaton sa namo ang medical result,” he said.

As of yesterday, Nieres has been released from the hospital but is under the custody of the Boljoon police.

Pogoy said charges for reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and multiple injuries are set to be filed against the driver after they get the affidavits of the victims and witnesses.

Nieres was driving the truck carrying people, mostly students, heading to the Nutrition Month Cultural and District Meet of the Department of Education last Friday in Barangay Upper Becerril, when he allegedly lost control of the vehicle while maneuvering a hilly portion in Sitio Lintongan.

He was reportedly forced to crash the truck into the hill on the left side of the road to avoid falling over a shallow cliff on the other side.

The fatalities were identified as Jerome Niere, 11; Mary Ann Filipino, 12; Janna Delos Santos, 12; Clint Isidore Dugang, 10; Victoria Gorozon, 40; Jefferson Jorpo, 11; Alexander Villanueva, 20; Mark Loyd Mosqueda,12; Riza Mae Viñan,10, all residents of Barangay Nangka, Boljoon town.

Those injured were identified as Angel Ceciban, 10; Elvie Jean Gorozon,9; Aga Oliveros, 12; Reyan Bentazal, 10; Lutchie May Rota,11; Roy Endrina,9; Alexes Alloso,10; Analyn Legarte, 10; Gracia Denuyo, 10; Thea Joy Felipe,8; Bernie Niere,11; Roxan Endrina,11; Chan Love Mie Endrina,27; Imee Rivas, 11; and Annrose Niere, 11. — BRP (FREEMAN)