Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas has ordered an investigation into the fatal Kalinga accident wherein 13 people died after their car plunged into an irrigation canal in Tabuk City, Kalinga on Saturday night.
Sinas also reminded motorists to obey the load limits and maximum passenger capacity to avoid accidents. He added physical distancing inside public and private vehicles should also be observed.
The PNP chief has ordered the PNP Highway Patrol Group and all local police to strictly implement land transportation laws against overloading and other unsafe driving practices.
According to the report of PNP Cordillera, Soy Lope Agtula was driving a Ford Everest SUV. He was personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology assigned in Bontoc, Mountain Province.
The initial investigation on the Kalinga accident revealed that the SUV came from Tadian, Mountain Province, and was heading to Bulo Lake.
PNP said at least 15 people were aboard the SUV, including seven children and eight adults.
Sinas orders investigation on Kalinga accident where 13 people died
The SUV slipped and fell into the irrigation canal and submerged as they reached a curved portion of the road, the PNP said.
Rescuers rushed 11 victims to the Mija Kim Medical Center but were declared dead on arrival. Meanwhile, two others were brought to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital where they were also pronounced dead.
PNP said two of the passengers survived the Kalinga accident and now in stable condition.
“I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of these victims. May their souls be at peace and I hope that our Creator brings you the much-needed peace during this trying times,” Sinas said.