7 family members die in Cotabato road accident

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Seven in a family from Cagayan de Oro City died in a highway mishap in Tupi town in South Cotabato on Monday.

Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, Police Regional Office-12 acting director, said family members Annabelle, Joel, Joan, Duke, Ike and two children – all surnamed Maglente – died on the spot from injuries.

The Maglentes were on their way to Polomolok town in South Cotabato to spend their Christmas with relatives. However, the driver lost control of the L-300 van, which veered toward the side of the highway before hitting a tree.

Tupi police investigators said that the impact was strong enough to throw four family members outside the van.

Police said the fatalities were turned over to their relatives while the driver was rushed to a hospital for treatment.