DAVAO CITY ––A tragic collision involving three vehicles on the National Highway in Purok 2, Barangay Ising, Carmen, Davao Del Norte, occurred at approximately 5:48 AM yesterday, May 25, 2024. The accident involved an Isuzu ELF (Boom Truck), a KIA Double Cab, and a motorcycle.
According to a report from the Carmen Municipal Police Station, the KIA Double Cab, driven by Robin Reyes Cedeno, a 51-year-old resident of Barangay Lisay-Lisay, Maco, Davao de Oro, was en route to Davao City. Cedeno was accompanied by a 17-year-old passenger, John Philip Licong, from Purok 1-A, Asuncion, Carmen, Davao Del Norte.
Following the double cab was a motorcycle driven by Erwin Tejana Mellena, 33, with a backrider named Jelly Mae Rabia Perale, 28. Both are residents of Purok 1, Cebulano, Carmen, Davao Del Norte.
The Isuzu ELF Truck, driven by Jeffrey Canones Campaner, a 27-year-old resident of Poblacion, Alabel, Sarangani Province, was carrying 12 passengers from Davao City heading to Tagum City.
Passengers on the ELF truck reported that a tire suddenly exploded, causing Campaner to lose control. The truck swerved into the busy lane of the highway, colliding with the double cab, and subsequently involving the motorcycle in the crash.
Tragically, Cedeno, the driver of the double cab, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Campaner, Mellena, and Perale are in serious condition.
The 12 passengers of the ELF truck, who sustained injuries and bruises, were also taken to the hospital in Carmen. They have been identified by the police as:
- John Areta, 29
- Amiel Gabriel, 40
- Henry Batingal, 50
- Jeffrey Estancia, 36
- Ricky Bagayas, 25
- Raul Estrella, 58
- Romeo Dela Cruz, 39
- Eugene Batingal, 30
- Christopher Justo, 24
- Jhonel Caturza, 22
- Arnel Manzano, 36
- Ralf Benedict Maturan, all residents of Daliao, Toril District, Davao City.
The Carmen police have issued a warning to motorists to exercise caution, particularly on highways, to prevent such collisions.
