LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – A popular Filipino astrophotographer was killed in a motorcycle crash in Orion, Bataan, on Saturday morning, March 16.
The Police Regional Office-3 identified the victim as Anthony Mungcal, astrophotographer, from Limay, Bataan.
His back rider Janelle Irangan, 26, also of Limay, was also killed in the accident on the Roman Highway in Sitio Mabato, Barangay Daan Pare.
Investigation said the Yamaha Mio Fazzio driven by Mungcal crashed into the rear of the dump truck driven by Alvin Bacani, 38, while it was turning left.
Due to the impact, the victims sustained severe head injuries and fractures.
The victims were declared dead on the spot by rescue nurse Genno Valenzuela of the Orion Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Police consider the accident as human error.
ASTROPHOTOGRAPHER Anthony Mungcal's last photo taken and posted on Facebook before his death.
The photography community, friends, and family mourned the death of Mungcal, known for his stunning captures which had been shared and liked thousands of times in his Facebook page.
MUNGCAL (PWS/PSU FB)
The Pangasinan Youth for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management were among those who mourned the death of Mungcal.
The group posted the last photo taken by Mungcal on its Facebook page. The photo was taken in Little Batanes, Bagac, Bataan.
“PYDRRM, through its Astronomy Division, along with the #AstroPangasinan community, mourn on the untimely demise of Anthony Mungcal, an astrophotographer in the province of Bataan,” it said in a Facebook post.
"We extend our sincerest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family."
Mungcal has 15,000 followers on Facebook.