SIX passengers, including two public school teachers, were killed while 13 others were injured in a collision between a passenger jeep and a truck in Sorsogon province on Friday, January 27, 2023
Police identified the fatalities as public school teachers, Maribel Pardillo and Karen Maquiñana, both 45 years old, assigned with the San Rafael National High School in Castilla town.
Also killed in the fatal accident were Erik Dino Deonida, 19, of San Roque, Bacon District, Sorsogon City; Heidy Albao, 58; Amparo Bajaro, 60; Janelle Abarientos, 17, all residents of Castilla town.
Initial investigation by the local police disclosed the tragic incident transpired around 3:45 pm in Barangay San Rafael, Castilla, Sorsogon, while the involved vehicles were travelling in opposite directions. The passenger jeepney allegedly swerved in the opposite lane in a bid to overtake but smashed instead into the van driven by Marlon Lorenzo, 51 of Gapan City, Nueva Ecija.
The jeepney driver identified as Anoevo Licup Jr., 53 of Sorsogon City is undergoing treatment at the hospital and will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries and damage to property.
The injured passengers including the driver of the truck are still recuperating at the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital and Castilla Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Sorsogon, in a statement, said they deeply mourn the death of their teachers. It added the department will extend all the necessary assistance and promised to facilitate the grant and release of financial assistance to the bereaved families.