BY JOEL CALAMBA ESCOL, Managing Editor, MDNN Digital
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The number of dead pasengers of the ill-fated truck in the outkirts of Balingasag town in Misamis Oriental has grown to 12, police authorities reported yesterday morning (January 12).
Those injured passengers confined in hospitals in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro are still recuperating but those who only contain bruises have been discharged and went home safely in Aposkahoy, Claveria town.
Patrolman Alan James Cantano Jr, told the media yesterday that he saw eight bodies lying on different places at Purok 6, sitio Bagaay, Barangay Baliwagan in Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental, while some were still at the ill-fated vehicle.
“Upon reaching the above-mentioned place of the incident (in Balingasag), the vehicle’s brake system malfunctioned and the driver lost control that resulted in an accident,” Cantano, said based on reports received by the provincial tactical operations center.
31-year-old Junryl Cagmat, driver of the truck bearing plate number AAR 6998 only sustained bruises. Accordng to reports the truck was registered to a certain Nora Ochigue of Aposkahoy, Claveria.
Initial investigation from police authorities said the victims were from barangay Aposkahoy, Claveria town and they were bound for Lagonglong town to have swimming at Del Carmen Resort, when suddenly the truck’s brake has reportedly exploded in sitio Bagaay, barangay Baliwagan in Balingasag town.
Police Master Sergeant Roel Pabatao, traffic officer at Balingasag Police Station told a local radio station that the dead bodies and those who were injured have not been identified yet, but thorough investigation from police investigators are now ongoing.
Father Remel Mag-usara, a catholic priest said he was saddended when he heard his parishioners in Aposkahoy, Claveria met an accident in Balingasag town.
Kagawad Jojo Dalman, former barangay chairman of Aposkahoy said the victims were barangay workers. “Dugay rani ila plano nga mangaligo isip pahalipay sa barangay Capitan sa Aposkahoy apan karon lang gyud napadayon. Apan wala kakuyog si kapitan kay naay gibati sa lawas ug naadmit sa hospital,” Kag Dalman narrated.
He said there were 43 people onboard on said truck. They were composed of barangay workers including their siblings.
