7 followers of Davao mayor die in accident

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least seven supporters of a re-electionist mayor were killed while eight others were wounded when their vehicle rammed into a truck in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur Saturday afternoon.

The victims, supporters of Mayor Joel Lopez, were on their way to the Sta. Cruz town proper to participate in a motorcade, when the Multicab they were riding collided with an Isuzu Forward truck.

The truck was on its way back to Davao City after delivering coconuts at the Franklin Baker Corp. dessicated coconut factory in Barangay Coronon, Sta. Cruz town.

The truck was reportedly trying to overtake a bus when it smashed into the Multicab.

Six of the fatalities were identified as Barangay Rizal chairman Leonardo Gunda, who was driving the Multicab; Ismael Gunda, 59; Evelyn Pacdacan, 43; Letecia Manggulayan, 48; Teresita Aguan, 42; and Ezperanza Ambrocio, 62.

Authorities were hunting down the truck driver who fled after the accident.