Collision kills driver, hurts 12 in Badian

CEBU, Philippines - A passenger vehicle collided with a truck in Barangay Matutinao, Badian last Friday killing the driver and leaving 11 passengers, including eight foreigners, injured.

The police have identified the fatality as Marwel Pocong, driver of the black Isuzu Elf passenger vehicle. Pocong and his passengers came from Kawasan Falls and were on their way back to Moalboal when their vehicle collided with the cargo truck driven by Vic Balansag at 3 p.m. Balansag was also injured in the collision. 

The other victims were identified as tour guides Jimmy Tapales, 41; Mario Tapales, 46; and Edwin Abrenica, 22;  German national Julia Weisheitinger, 23; Australian nationals Samuel Tiaiata, 23, and Denisse Stephanie Campos, 23.

They were brought to Badian District Hospital but were referred to a private hospital in Cebu City because of the serious injuries they sustained.

The other victims who are now in stable condition at the Badian District Hospital  were identified as German national Polan Grether, 22; and Danish nationals Joan Jappesen, 26; Tine Gjerke Hemmingan, 27; Hance Mathias, 30; and Just Peversen Soeren, 26.

Insp. Edgar Labi, Badian police chief, said that Pocong rammed into the cargo truck which was coming from the opposite direction while negotiating at a blind curve in sitio Mandag-om.

Labi said the victims were heading back to Planet Action Resort in Moalboal town after taking a dip at Kawasan Falls when the accident happened. — (FREEMAN)