Apayao mayor, aide killed in Ilocos mishap

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – The mayor of Luna town in Apayao and her bodyguard were killed while three others, including the vice mayor, were injured when their sport utility vehicle crashed into a tree in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte at past midnight yesterday.

Mayor Betty Versola died instantly while her bodyguard, Marlon Taclibon, of Pinili, Ilocos Norte, was declared dead-on-arrival at the Bangui District Hospital.

The injured victims identified as Mayor Josephine Bangsil, Milet Agustin and Jun Ildefonso, the driver of the Montero SUV, were initially taken to the same hospital for treatment.

The injured victims were later transferred to Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City due to severe injuries.

Reports said the driver was trying to avoid hitting a carabao that crossed the highway in Barangay Pasaleng.

The group was on their way to Apayao from Baguio City when the accident happened at past 1 a.m.

Meanwhile, 10 passengers were injured when a Manila-bound bus fell into a cliff in Tagkawayan, Quezon shortly after midnight yesterday.

The bus, owned by the Peñafrancia Tours and Travel Transport, was traveling along the highway in Barangay San Vicente when the driver identified as Gonzalo Joble, 65, of Camarines Sur, lost control of the wheel.

Aside from Joble, injured were Manuel Lagramada, 56; Maria Reina Lagramada, 54; Josephine Bailey, 45; Jinky Agra, 43; Roland Sibajon, 31; Arnel Doroteo, 31; Ma. Cecilia Orain, 27; Monica Siaton, 25, and Emmlon Orain, 20.

The victims were brought to the Maria L. Eleazar Memorial District Hospital for treatment. – Raymund Catindig, Charlie Lagasca, Teddy Molina, Michelle Zoleta