BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – An early morning jeepney crash on a treacherous stretch of road in the mountainous barangay of Cagay in Leon town resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 16 other passengers yesterday, August 13.
The road crash occurred around 6:10 a.m. when the vehicle skidded on a slippery curve and overturned.
The deceased were identified as Princess Marie Alperto Cabana, aged five years old, and Arvin Capitle Calawigan, 13, both residents of Barangay Cagay. They were pronounced dead upon arrival at ALEOSAN District Hospital due to severe trauma.
Yuben Capitle Cabansag, the 39-year-old driver, recounted the moment of the accident.
“I tried to correct the steering and applied the brakes, but the road was slippery from recent work, causing the jeepney to slide backwards and flip over twice,” he told Panay News.
Maricar Cabana, grieving mother of Princess Marie, detailed the ordeal. “The jeepney slid and overturned suddenly. I was holding my daughter inside, but then I briefly lost consciousness. Despite my efforts, she did not survive,” a tearful Maricar recounted.
Sixto Calawigan, Arvin’s father, described rushing to the scene to find his son grievously injured.
“I found him bleeding beside the overturned jeepney. I transported him to the hospital immediately, but he succumbed to his injuries,” he said.
The local community, including Bucari National High School where Arvin was a student, expressed sorrow over the incident. School Principal Lope Cambal remarked, “We are devastated but must stay strong. We will support the grieving family as much as we can, especially considering their financial hardships.”
Police Staff Sergeant Edzel Edlang, the investigating officer, indicated that the driver might face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries.
“The case is still being evaluated as the driver and many passengers are from the same community and related,” said Edlangd, adding that the driver is currently detained at the municipal police station and consultations with the families for legal actions are ongoing.
The 16 other passengers (children and adults) who sustained various head and body injuries were rushed to ALEOSAN District Hospital and Leon Rural Health Unit for immediate medical attention. They were the following:
* Jea Jean Cabuylo Cabansag, 12, of Barangay Cagay, Leon
* Kate Caaya Tadulan, 19, housemaid, of Barangay Ingay, Leon
* Edmond Tagolinao Tadulan, 52, farmer, of Barangay Ingay, Leon
* Geldeliza Calawigan Camagos, 45, housewife, of Barangay Ingay, Leon
* John Aranda Frades, 44, caregiver, of Barangay Cagay, Leon
* Marijen Vallente Cari, 42, Barangay Service Point Officer (BSPO), of Barangay Danao, Leon
* Erica Tadifa Caligadan, 12, student, of Barangay Danao, Leon
* Ma. Laurice Jade Cabaya Tahum, 14, student, of Barangay Danao, Leon
* Allalyn Loquias Cari, 38, BSPO, of Barangay Danao, Leon
* Jelyn Garces, 15, student, of Barangay Danao, Leon
* Althea Cerale Catahum, 15, student, of Barangay Danao, Leon
* Joshua Cantomayor, 15, student, of Barangay Danao, Leon
* Analyn Cabalfin, 39, of Barangay Cagay, Leon
* John Vincent Cantomayor, 13, student, of Barangay Danao, Leon
* Charlyn Mae Catahum, 14, student, of Barangay Danao, Leon/PN
