Rescue on for missing passengers of drowned mini-bus

ROXAS, Isabela — Search and rescue operations were intensified for the 14 missing passengers of a mini-bus that was hit by a strong current while crossing a flooded detour bridge here around 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Two of the passengers of the Dolbo Trans were already confirmed dead as recovery efforts were intensified for possible survivors from the missing passengers, although there were fears that they were already dead after they were also taken by the strong river current.

The confirmed casualties were Jerrymon Ortillares of Tuguegarao City and Dionisio Bicarme, Barangay official of nearby Mallig town here, while among the missing passengers are Filipino Josue, a teacher; and Orlina Jose, a local government employee.

Chief Inspector Severino Abad, this town’s police chief, said they were still verifying the identity of the other missing persons. The bus driver, identified as Ferdinand Olivas, voluntarily surrendered to Tuguegarao City police early yesterday morning.

Scuba divers from the Army’s 5th Infantry Division here and other local rescue teams rescued the other 25 passengers, among them children, from drowning.

Governor Faustino Dy Jr. here also dispatched speed boats to help in the recovery efforts. Rescue teams of nearby provinces, Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya, also joined in the operation.