13 hospitalized as SUV rips through funeral procession

BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines – Thirteen persons were injured, including two members of the provincial board and a daughter of this city’s mayor, when a wayward sport utility vehicle (SUV) hit a funeral procession for former vice governor and lawmaker Mariano Nalupta here yesterday morning.

The victims, among them board members Ria Christina Fariñas and Jack Nalupta, and former Vigan City councilor Janina Medina-Fariñas, were taken to the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.

Janina is a daughter of Mayor Eva Medina while Ria is the eldest daughter of Rep. Rudy Fariñas and the late beauty queen Maria Theresa Carlson.

The victims were walking in front of the Batac City Catholic Church when the incident happened.          

The driver of the SUV, identified as Eric Marsan, was placed under the custody of the city police. Marsan said the vehicle’s brakes malfunctioned.

Aside from the victims, the SUV also hit several vehicles, including that of city prosecutor Valentin Pascua.

The SUV is owned by Sheila Myra Nalupta-Barba, daughter of the deceased. Nalupta died of a heart attack last Sept. 2.