A tragic road accident occurred on Holy Monday in Antipas, Cotabato, claiming the lives of at least 17 people.
The victims, including the van driver Nonoy Bunda and six others identified as Vence Lopez, Irish Lopez, Jenevive Vicente, Sherly Pojas, Coco Pojas, and Kimberly Shainne Armada, were charred to death when the van they were riding in collided with a cargo truck.
The victims, some of whom were farmers on their way to Kidapawan to receive government assistance, were traveling on the national highway in Bgy. Lohong at around 12:30 p.m. when the accident happened.
The collision caused the van to flip twice, plunge into a road canal, and catch fire.
The cargo truck, loaded with sand and gravel, was driven by Edwin Dumapias Nasiad. His helpers, Wilmark Josil Panoy and Gregorio Wallace Casiño, also survived the incident but are currently under medical treatment.
The local government unit (LGU) of Antipas expressed their deep sorrow over the tragic incident and called for prayers for the victims.
They are working to provide necessary assistance and support to the victims’ families, most of whom are residents of the town.
The Antipas Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has described the area as accident-prone. An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.