Soldier dead, 14 pals hurt in Ilocos truck-bus collision

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – A soldier was killed while 15 colleagues based in Isabela were hurt when their military truck collided with a passenger bus in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte before dawn yesterday. 

Reports identified the fatality as Sgt. Anastacio Fernandez who died on the spot due to multiple injuries he sustained in the collision along the national highway in Barangay Susugaen, Pasuquin town.

Fernandez’s 15 colleagues – Privates First Class Jomar Sagun, Rino Tabilon, Alfredo Cabingas, Domifer Saking, Allan Ramos, Marvin Magay, Alejandro Bunagan, Marlon Malongga, Jeffrey Katayong, Jake Avarca, Jay Domingo, Gilbert Patong, and Marvin Lopez, and Corporals Jerry Valentin and Joel Andrade – were rushed to the Governor Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City.

The victims belong to the Abra-based 41st Infantry Battalion, which is under the jurisdiction of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in Gamu, Isabela. – Charlie Lagasca, Raymund Catindig, Teddy Molina, Jaime Laude