BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Ten Army soldiers and seven members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) were injured Thursday morning when their military truck figured in an accident in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, police said.
On board a South Korean-made KM 450 military truck, driven by PFC John Rey Toopera, the soldiers and CAFGU members, led by 1st Lt. Leo Abulencia, had just completed their ground reconnaissance for the relocation site of the Maricalum detachment, when the accident took place.
Superintendent Noel Mana-ay, Sipalay Police chief, said the brakes of the military vehicle malfunctioned, while negotiating a curve and downhill portion at Brgy. Maricalum in Sipalay City. When the driver applied the brakes, the vehicle rolled over, he said.
The 10 soldiers, three of whom are officers, are members of the 47th Infantry Battalion, while the seven CAFGU members are under the supervision of the 12th Infantry (CADRE) Battalion deployed in Sipalay City.
Mana-ay, however, said the injuries of the victims were not serious. They were brought to the Sipalay City Health Office for treatment.
Colonel Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the five army soldiers and three CAFGUs, who were later brought to the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital (DPOMH) in Bacolod City, are now in stable condition.
Confined at the DPOMH are 2nd Lt. Raymond Jamisal, T/Sgt. Johnie Amodia, PFCs Franklin Dumlao, John Rey Coopera and Monico Tisbe, Jr., and CAAs Jobet Flores, Emil Amancio and Junel Boy Patigayon. (FREEMAN)