Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 12) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering filing charges against the driver of the van which collided with two police vehicles, resulting in the death of eight persons in Naawan, Misamis Oriental.
According to PNP spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo, authorities are eyeing to file a case against Benjamin Abubacar, the driver of the Mistubishi Fuso Wing Van, who is currently being treated for his injuries.
“Sa ngayon hinahanda na ang kasong reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to property laban sa driver ng wing van. ‘Yung iba namang nasugatan, ‘yung iba sa kanila ay na-discharge na,” Fajardo said on Sunday.
[Translation: Right now, we are preparing the case of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide, physical injuries and damage to property against the driver of the wing van. Some of those who were hurt have already been discharged.]
On Saturday, seven members of the PNP and one retired cop died after a vehicular accident in Purok 11, Barangay Maputi, Naawan, Misamis Oriental.
The Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office identified the fatalities as staff sergeants Marjun Reuyan, Jobille Lou Cañeda, Eric Generalao, Michael Ermac, Aaron Ticar, Arnill Manoop, Eugene Ariston Lagcao, and retired Staff Sergeant Anito Abapo.
The initial investigation revealed that the front wheel of the wing van exploded, leading to a collision between the vehicle and the two vans carrying 38 PNP personnel and the retired cop.
“Hindi pa po malinaw kung saan papunta ‘yung ating mga pulis. Base sa inisyal na imbestigasyon sa spot report ay authorized ang biyahe ng mga pulis. Sila po ay nag-a-undergo ng training sa PNP Regional Training Center dyan sa Cagayan De Oro City at apparently authorized ang travel ng mga pulis. Nakakalungkot na ganito ang nangyari,” said Fajardo.
[Translation: It still isn’t clear where the police personnel were going. Based on the initial investigation in the spot report, the trip was authorized. They were undergoing training at the PNP Regional Training Center in Cagayan de Oro City. It’s unfortunate this happened.]
