13 dead, 19 injured in Besao vehicle accident

By Gina Dizon

BESAO, Mountain Province -- Thirteen persons died while nine were seriously injured here at Sitio Bunga, Barangay Catengan night of June 2.

A local police report said said the jeep owned by a certain Elvis Lawig and driven by Cyril Balolang fell into a 75 meter ravine while proceeding towards Barangay Laylaya.

The jeep coming from Kin-iway Poblacion carried 34 passengers who attended a victory party by Sangguniang Bayan candidate –elect Orville Estangki.

The jeep also reportedly loaded with some construction materials bumped a stone at the left side of the road before it swerved to the right side and fell down the ravine.

The police report said the driver when interviewed said he tried to direct the steering wheel but it locked leading the vehicle down the ravine which was totally wrecked as a result.

Declared dead on the spot were Esther Lawig, Neil Pambalan, Rosaline Panduyos, Samuel Songaben, Onsi Songgadan, Corazon Dasing, 12 year old Victor Balolang and senior citizen Rogelio Pagada.

Declared dead on arrival at Besao District Hospital were Teresita Arquero, Rommel Coltiyen, Mary Binwag and Alicia Layao.

Undergoing treatment at Besao District Hospital were Rocky Songaben, 3; Rainy Fernan Pagosto, 12; Sagmayao Songaben, Freddie Domanew and Johnson Damoking.

Those referred to Bontoc General Hospital were Noli Daliwag, Patricia Bay-as, Eddie Songaben, Reggie Laleo, 8 year old Raven Lawig, Cyril Balolang, Edeliza Songaben,Wendel Pasingan, Rocky Songaben, Bokakew Lawig, and Victor Tayaban.

Police reports said those referred to Baguio General Hospital were Christopher Dacocot, Norman Macalingay, and Awikang Peyes.

Reportedly unhurt were Jericho Songaben, Overton Songaben, Vicente Lotoy and Oliver Domanew.