By Nonoy Lacson
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A provincial bus carrying 45 passengers fell off a cliff along the national highway of Alicia town in Sibugay province, Saturday morning, killing three of the passengers and injuring four others.
Police Regional Office for Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) Director Police Brig Gen Froilan F Quidilla said the three passengers died on-the-spot, while the injured passengers were rushed to the Lanchita Medical Hospital in Imelda town.
According to Quidilla the Lizamay Express Bus with plate number JVC 315, had 45 passengers when the incident happened at about 7:10 am, Sunday.
Quidilla identified the driver as Noriel Bucoy Andico, 41, of Barangay Luboc, Sirawai, Zamboanga Del Norte.
Those who died on the spot were identified as Gertrudes Buhat Baya, 73, of Barangay Samonte, Talusan, Sibugay province; Rina Ahay Mualam, 14, student; and Salma Mualam, 35, housewife both residents of Barangay Buhangin Mahaba, Olutanga, Sibugay province.
Injured were Victor Antiampo, 62; his wife Medivina Antiampo, 55, both residents of Barangay Fama in Olutanga, Sibugay province: Karim Jarol, 62, and Sapiya Jarol, 62, both residents of Barangay Buhangin Mahaba, Olutanga.
According to the report, the bus suffered heavy damage, and is now impound at the Alicia Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.