(File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and local police units to strictly enforce land transportation regulations against overloading and other violations.
PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas' order came following the incident where a sports utility vehicle (SUV) plunged into an irrigation canal in Tabuk City, Kalinga on Sunday, killing 13 people.
Sinas reiterated road safety reminders to motorists to “strictly observe load limits and maximum passenger capacity of motor vehicles, as well as the required physical distancing protocol inside public and private conveyances”.
"I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of these victims. May their souls be at peace and I hope that our Creator brings you the much-needed peace during these trying times," Sinas said.
A report from the Police Regional Office (PRO) Cordillera showed the accident happened around 6:15 p.m. in Barangay Bulo, Tabuk City.
The Ford Everest SUV, with plate number AAK9180 was driven by Soy Lope Agtulao, an employee of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology assigned in Bontoc, Mt. Province and a resident of Tadian town in the same province.
Initial investigation showed the group was on the way home from a trip to Bulo Lake, a known tourist destination in the city when the accident happened.
Upon reaching a curved portion of the road, the SUV slipped, fell into the irrigation canal, and was submerged in water.
According to the report, personnel from the 1st Kalinga Provincial Mobile Force Company and civilian volunteers responded to the incident.
Rescuers brought 11 victims to the Mija Kim Medical Center but were pronounced dead on arrival while two others were brought to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital but were also declared dead.
Aside from Agtulao, the other fatalities were identified as Judilyn Talawec Dumayom, 31; Alfredo Cutit Lope, 59; Remedios Longey Basilio, 56; Jessabel Basilio Paycao, 27; and Sony Puking Lopez, 22.
The seven children, who died from the accident, were identified as Marlo Gel Perena, 6; Seadarn Talawec Dumayom, 5; Scarlet Basilio Paycao, 3; Jeslyn Talawec Paycao, 4; Cydwin Lope Agtulao, 6; Cyan Lope Agtulao, 4; and Ezverdcrick Basilio Paycao, 4.
He said two passengers, Edith Andiso Perez, 51, and Cyril Lope Agtulao, 10, survived the mishap and now in stable condition at the hospital. (PNA)
