BACOLOD CITY – Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego on Friday assured immediate assistance and other necessary support to the victims of the tragic crash involving a city government-owned mini dump truck in Barangay Guimbala-on.
Based on the initial police report, a group of job order employees who came from a tree-planting activity in Sitio Lantawan were on board the vehicle when the driver lost control of the steering wheel along Sitio San Juan and fell on its side, resulting in seven fatalities.
They were identified as Alexander Balili, 62; Rafael Jardiolin Jr., 57; Eldie Naguita, 65; Azucena Dimson, 52; Jerson Leonillo, 38; Marlon Amarado, 36; and Jayme Bangis, 60.
Police Lt. Col. Mark Darroca, city police chief, said the driver, Hernane Masa, 53, is now in stable condition after he and seven injured passengers were brought to Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.
The remaining nine passengers are being treated at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital and Queen of Mercy Hospital in Bacolod City, he added.
“The city government is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Health Office, and other relevant agencies to extend all necessary support, medical attention, and financial assistance to the victims and their immediate families,” Gallego said in a statement.
He said the participation of the victims in the tree-planting activity is “an act that reflects their unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and community service.”
Gallego assured Silaynons of a “thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the root cause of this tragic event” to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.
“In this time of sorrow, let us remain united as one Silaynon community, bound by compassion, empathy, and mutual support,” he said. (with PNA)