Congressman hurt in mishap

Ilocos Norte Rep. Roque Ablan Jr. was hurt in a vehicular accident in Beijing, China, according to reports reaching Manila.

Ablan and his wife Vicky were reportedly on their way to the airport to catch their flight to Manila when the accident took place.

Initial reports said the Ilocos congressman was thrown out of their vehicle and was in serious condition. His staff at the House of Representatives would only say that Ablan met a "freak accident" and was brought to the hospital.

House deputy secretary general Noel Albano said his fellow Ilocano "was not in serious condition."

"He is fine and resting in a Beijing hospital," he said.

Albano said he did not know whether Ablan was on an official trip.

As vice chairman of the inter-parliamentary relations committee, the Ilocos Norte congressman is one of the frequent travelers among House members. He was head of the committee in the last Congress, and in that capacity, accompanied Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. in most, if not all, of his foreign trips. – Jess Diaz