2 Dead, 7 injured in Sultan Kudarat car collision

DAVAO CITY (April 6)— Two people were killed and seven others were injured in a vehicular collision involving a car and a pickup truck along a highway in Barangay Impao, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, on Friday afternoon.

Isulan Municipal Station Chief Lt. Col. Julius Malcontento identified the fatalities as Aliyah Angel Macalapay, 8, and Charlie Mae Macalapay, 40. Both were declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.

Initial investigation revealed that the victims were passengers in a red car with license plate number MBD 7469, driven by Nelson Mijares Malacapay Jr., 46.

The vehicle was reportedly struck head-on by a metallic gray Mitsubishi pickup truck driven by Joven Ampo Catubo, 29, of Tacurong City.

According to barangay officials and responding police personnel, the pickup truck veered into the opposite lane after attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed. This caused a direct collision with the oncoming car carrying the victims.

Malcontento identified the injured passengers as Merlyn Flores, 63; Connie Sanico, 62; Jesil Lopez, 36; Shamona Flores, 17; and Jonela Lopez, 7; they sustained various serious injuries and bruises. All victims are residents of Barangay Daladap, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.

Driver Joven Catubo was also injured in the incident, which caused significant damage to both vehicles, mainly the pickup truck.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident and have reminded motorists to exercise caution, especially when highway overtaking.