SUV plunges into Benguet ravine; 3 dead

TUBA, Benguet, Philippines — Three people died and three others were injured when a sport utility vehicle fell into a ravine n Barangay Taloy Sur in this town at dawn yesterday.

The fatalities were identified as Rodolfo Marcuap, his son Jaspher, and grandson Kian Jeremy, 10, all from Candelaria, Quezon. Taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries were Jaspher's wife Kristel, 38; their son Kiefer, and his brother Justin. Jaspher's brother Jonathan, who lives in Baguio and was earlier erroneously reported as among the fatalities, was not with the family during the incident. Jonathan is a pastor of Victory Church.

Kristel has asked authorities to help her contact Jonathan, as he is the family's closest relative in Baguio City.

Initial investigation showed that the Mitsubishi Montero veered into the opposite lane then hit a road sign before plunging into the ravine.