6 die in road accident

ATOK, Benguet -- Six members of the Galino family died during a vehicular accident at Km. 43, Balangabang on Sunday, January 27.

Initial investigation of the Police Regional Office (PRO)–Cordillera revealed the accident occurred at 12:30 a.m.

Investigation also revealed that the ill-fated van, which was carrying the victims, was heading toward Baguio City. The vehicle climbed the road’s shoulder then fell into a ravine.

The accident was discovered at 1 a.m. by Lorna Liwanon Bestre, who was then on board a private jeep. Bestre and her companion said a man informed them of the accident. They then called for help from policemen, local government unit (LGU) employees, and officials of Atok.

The retrieval operation lasted until 8:20 a.m. of the same day.

The fatalities were identified as: Kyla Galino Rondales, two years old; Jynnahrie Nisperos Galino, 8; Melanie Galino Rondales, 24; Racquel Jimenez Galino; Lawrence Cabloy Bondad, 29; and Clara Pacsi Abalos, 57.

The seven injured victims who were brought to the Benguet General Hospital are Wilbert Bauding Galino, 36; Panganiban Bauding Galino; Travish Josh Galno Rondales, 5; Febelyn Galino Garcia, 16; Elmer Pacsi Galino, 37; Fritzie Galino Bondad, 28; and Howard Salcedo Rondales.

The personal belongings of the victims were accounted for and were turned over to Eleazar Pacsi Galino, brother of Elmer Pacsi Galino.

The driver, who was injured, told the policemen that he was sleepy and only noticed that the vehicle already climbed the road’s shoulder, until it fell.

Follow–up investigation is still ongoing.