By JIGGER J. JEROSALEM
Correspondent
TWO people died and dozens were injured when a truck with a group of churchgoers on the way to a religious service figured in a road accident in a town in Bukidnon Tuesday morning.
A police report said the cargo truck was traversing the road in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag town and was on its way to Cotabato City when the accident happened.
The 49 passengers, belonging to a community of indigenes, are members of the Church Spirit of the Truth based in Cotabato.
According to Capt. Dominador Orate Jr., Talakag police chief, the church members wanted to go to Cotabato purposely to renew their religious vows.
Orate said the driver, identified as Michael Abanacion, 24, married, and resident of Barangay Cacaon, Talakag, tried to negotiate the slippery road but lost control of the vehicle causing it to slide and fall on its side.
He said Abanacion was driving the truck at high speed, and it skidded off the highway.
“All the passengers were thrown off the truck when it turned on its side,” Orate said.
Those who died were Manuel Alfoque Jr., 74, and Bonifacia Abot, 76. Both are residents of Barangay Cacaon, Talakag.
Alfoque and Abot were brought to the Talakag Provincial Hospital but they were declared dead on arrival by attending physicians, Orate said.
He said the fatalities suffered from external and internal injuries due to the impact. Those who sustained injuries received medical attention and some were even discharged on the same day.
Orate said charges of reckless imprudence resulting to double homicide, multiple physical injuries and damage to properties will probably be filed against the driver, once he is located and captured.
He said the driver, who also sustained injuries, managed to escape from the hospital Tuesday.
“We are on a manhunt for the driver. Our operatives are now going to his relatives’ houses and other areas where he could be staying,” Orate added.
