Cop, board member killed by Apayao town landslide

Media reports on Apayao crash fatalities checked 

By Aldwin Quitasol

KABUGAO, Apayao – A police officer and Provincial Board Member both of Apayao, were killed after being hit by a landslide here Thursday evening at Barangay Dibagat.

The victims were identified as Cpl. Rommel Gumidam and Apayao Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Butz Mangalao.

Sources said they were headed to the town of Calanasan, Apayao.

But due to landslides along the way, Gumidam and Mangalao decided not to proceed and took shelter in a house. 

Gumidam was reportedly on the way to Calanasan for his police duty but was not able to proceed due to numerous landslides.

Due to continuous rains in the area, a landslide reportedly buried the house where the two sought refuge.

In Conner, Apayao, police corrected media reports on a road accident involving a truck which fell down a ravine at Sitio Gassud, Barangay Karikitan in the town around 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.

Media reported earlier 70 people were on board the Elf Truck, but follow up investigation of Conner police disclosed there were only 43 actual passengers with no missing.

A police report said bodies of the 19 fatalities were already taken by their families to their residences.

Twenty one persons were injured while three were unharmed and went home.

Police named fatalities who were all from Barangay Lattut, Rizal, Cagayan.

Female fatalities were Margie A. Pamittan, Amparo O. Aberion, 63: Brenda D. Talay, 23: Imelda O. Talay; Pacita Dajucon, Mercy P. Gundan; Leticia Bayaua Patay, 49; Susana B. Milo, 48; Rosemarie B. Molina; Hermilina Dacuycuy, 57; Ludalina T. Molina and Aida M. Batallones.

Male fatalites were identified as Domingo G. Asperela, 66; Mamerto P. Milo, 62; Conrado M. Sabatan, 70; Claro C. Mamauag, 71; Jason V. Talay;   Rudy V. Pagtama, 38 and Raymundo B. Sosa.

The accident was earlier reported to Conner police saying an Isuzo Elf Truck truck with plate number XRM 186 driven by Adan Gannaban with 70 occupants including the driver fell down a15-meter ravine.

Investigation disclosed the ill-fated truck was ascending towards Conner Proper when the engine shut off causing the brake not to function.

Victims were brought to Conner District Hospital wherein 14 declared dead on arrival, 22 injured, three unharmed and 31 missing.