12 hurt as truck falls in ravine

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Twelve persons, including four minors, were wounded after the truck they were riding plummeted into a shallow cliff at San Enrique, Iloilo afternoon of August 20.

The injured persons were:

-Arlyn Pineda, 38, of Barangay Jaguimitan, Passi City, Iloilo;

-Liza Padernal, 62, of Barangay Quinagaringan Grande, Passi City;

-Jonaya Bullos, 36, of Barangay Himamanay, Balasan, Iloilo;

-Gilbert Muyco, 57, also of Quinagaringan Grande village, Passi City;

-Shelie Aquino, 37, of Quinagaringan Grande, Passi City;

-Nonie Jimenez, 49, of Barangay Daan Norte, Tapaz, Capiz;

-Llyene Pineda, 33, of Barangay Jaguimitan, Passi City; and

-truck driver Rodsil Bensurto of Barangay Bancal, Carles, Iloilo.

Meanwhile, the injured minors are Ethan Fynne Estellore, 9 months; Kassandra Ellise Castor, 6, of Barangay Himamanay, Balasan, Iloilo; and Aeziah Reign Pineda, 10, and Mikilah Joy Muyco, 7, both of Barangay Quinagaringan, Grande, Passi City.

The group went on an excursion for a birthday party at Cabas-an Cold Spring in Barangay Compo, San Enrique.

The group was composed of employees of AYB Furniture and their family and friends. They used the company’s Elf truck in going to the area.

At around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, the group decided to go home.

Staff Sergeant Paul Kim Nalangan, San Enrique PNP traffic investigator, said the driver opted not to execute a U-turn in the area where he parked his vehicle.

He, instead, drove to a hilly portion of the bypass road but his engine died as he tried to shift gear.

The truck then dived slowly into a shallow cliff hurting Bensurto and his 11 passengers.

The victims were rushed to Don Valerio Palmares Memorial District Hospital in Passi City for treatment.

Bensurto only suffered a minor injury on his right eye and was not confined after receiving treatment.

He was subsequently detained at the San Enrique PNP lock-up cell for treatment.

Mikilah Joy Muyco was eventually referred to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City for further medical attention.

Early morning of Monday, Jimenez and Llyene Pineda were also referred to the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan town.