2 DA employees die in Isabela road collision


BAGUIO CITY – Two employees of the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera were killed in a road collision in Ramon, Isabela on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Police identified the victims as Karen Briones and Addison Kyle La-ao, residents of Itogon, Benguet.

Investigation showed the victims were on board a closed van loaded with sacks of rice when they were struck by a speeding Toyota Vios in Barangay Bugallon Proper.

Their vehicle then collided with an oncoming trailer truck driven by Mark Andy Bago of Solana, Cagayan.

The victims died on the spot while the driver of the Toyota Vios, businessman Allan Mark Barroza, 34, of Barangay Bugallon Norte in Ramon, fled.

Their driver, Tommy Timoteo, also of Itogon, sustained injuries and was taken to the Southern Isabela Medical Center in Santiago City, Isabela.

Police arrested Barroza in a follow-up operation. Lawmen said the Barroza was under the influence of liquor when he was driving.