TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – An overloaded jeepney driven by a barangay councilman turned upside down along a rugged road in Ilagan City, Isabela last Thursday, causing serious injuries to four of its 20 passengers, authorities said.
Police said passengers Luis Baltazar, 63; Laura Narvata, 62; Susan Bagain, 77; and Freddie Franchez, 19, were still under observation at the provincial hospital.
Police said the jeepney, driven by Edwin Baguilat, councilman of Barangay Villa Imelda, was cruising downhill of the rugged road in Barangay Bintacan when its brakes malfunctioned, causing it to roll over.
Local authorities have long banned overloading on passenger jeepneys, but the practice continues due to lack of transport means.