LAL-LO, Cagayan – A van driven by an Army reservist plowed into a crowd and two parked vehicles, killing nine people including a threemonth-old baby girl and a 10year-old boy in Barangay San Lorenzo here Saturday night.
In an interview, Police Lt. Gilbert Columna, deputy chief of Lal-lo Police, said the victims who are all members of the Agta community in Barangay Lorenzo, died on the spot.
The driver of the wayward van, John Vincent Domingo, 42, a resident of Bulanao Tabuk Kalinga, and his companion, Allan Jay Parungao, were also injured during the accident that happened around 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Police identified the victims as Alladin Oñate, Zalrita Maganay,duarte Oñate, Eric Oñate, May Ann Martinez, Rosita Martinez, Charry Oñate, 10-year-old Jeric Martinez, and three-month-old Elisa Martinez.
Domingo, who was unconscious, was brought to a hospital in Tuguegarao City, while Parungao was rushed to a hospital in Apayao.
Police said some of the victims were having a conversation while others were inside the tricycle in front of the balcony when they were hit by the van.
“Sa aming imbestigasyon ang mga biktima ay galing sa lamay sa nabanggit ding lugar at tumambay lamang sa balcony ng bahay ng isang Renato Olores nang mabulaga ang ilang residente nang bumangga ang minamanehong van ng Army reservist sa balcony matapos na unang banggain ang traysikel at isang Fortuner,” Columna said.
According to residents in the area, they were shocked upon seeing the nine victims lying lifeless on the ground.
Parungao told probers that he and Domingo came from the 17th Infantry Battalion camp in Bangag, Lal-lo and were on their way home when the accident happened.
According to Columna, a case of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property will be filed against Domingo who was reportedly in critical condition in a private hospital.