6 killed as jeep plunges into river

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – A couple and four construction workers died when the jeepney they were riding plunged into a river at least 15 meters deep in Sta. Rosa City last Monday afternoon, police said.

PO1 Aries Lazares, Sta. Rosa police investigator, identified the fatalities as contractor Violeta Tamayo, 56, and her husband Amado, 50; and their workers Ramy Falco, Arvin Coros, 33; Joemon Ostaga, 27; and Eduardo Blacer, 26.

A lone survivor, Jose Falco, 33 was rushed to the Southern Luzon Hospital and Medical Center and later transferred to the National Orthopedic Hospital for treatment.

Police said the victims, who had come from Quezon City, were cruising a road in Barangay Malitlit when their passenger-type jeepney malfunctioned, sending it plunging into the river. – Arnell Ozaeta, Ed Amoroso