3 dead in road mishaps

MANILA, Philippines - Three people were killed while 11 others were injured in three separate vehicular accidents that occurred in Zamboanga del Sur, Isabela, and Ilocos Sur yesterday.

Zenaida Lugas died on the spot after a military jeep she was riding with nine other passengers overturned in Duminag town, Zamboanga del Sur.

The injured were identified as Margie Silverio, Bernie Rivera, Arnold Gealon, Trinidad Oliverio, Rickey Oliverio, Ronilo Campomanes, Analyn Lugas, Delia Esparcia, Ara Rodriguez, and Edgardo Egos, all of Duminag town.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman for the Police Regional Office 9, said the victims were on their way home from an engagement party of Lugas’ son in Barangay Dapiwak when the accident happened.

Senior Police Officer 2 Alberto Capadangan said the jeep, owned and driven by Egos, developed engine trouble while negotiating a downhill road.

Egos lost control of the wheel, causing the jeep to turn over.     

Meanwhile, Christopher Recel, 28, died instantly after his motorcycle was hit by a passenger bus at the intersection of Rizal and Burgos streets in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Recel’s companion, Roldan Rebuleda, was rushed to the hospital where he was said to be in critical condition as of press time.

Police arrested bus driver Zandic Garcia.

In Isabela, Edgar Rodriguez, 36, of Barangay Caliguian, died on the spot after his motorcycle collided with a Manila-bound Florida bus in Barangay Malasin, Burgos town.

Superintendent Narciso Paragas, spokesman for the Isabela police, said bus driver Mario Santos, 52, was arrested after the incident. – Roel Pareño, Raymund Catindig