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Sunday, November 14, 2004
Arroyo orders prosecution over Quezon train mishap
MANILA -- President Arroyo on Saturday ordered the prosecution of those responsible for a train derailment that killed at least six people and injured more than 120 others.
She suspended its operation until the railroad tracks are found safe for public use.
She also ordered relief agencies to provide financial and other assistance to the injured victims and several others who perished in the tragedy believed caused by over speeding.
Four of the Manila-bound Philippine National Railways (PNR) train's five cars fell into a 40-foot deep ravine Friday in Quezon province's Padre Burgos town, about 150 kilometers southeast of Manila.
Police said six people were confirmed dead, correcting civil defense officials' earlier figure of 10.
The train was carrying some 400 passengers from Bicol when four of its coaches turned turtle and plummeted down into a 40-foot ravine early Friday while negotiating a dangerous bend in Padre Burgos town.
More than a hundred persons were injured and at least six were initially reported to have died in the incident.
Arroyo expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, and "determination to get at the root of the tragedy."
"Our relief agencies shall ensure that financial and other forms of assistance shall be extended to the victims' families," the president said in a statement. "But more than this, I want those accountable to be sanctioned, and prosecuted if need be, to the fullest extent of the law."
Arroyo ordered the suspension of train operations in "hazardous areas" between Legazpi City, about 340 kilometers (210 miles) southeast of Manila, to Manila until they are inspected and certified safe.
"Train services in hazardous areas shall be suspended until a physical inspection is made and safety certifications are issued. We can no longer allow our people to be exposed to these threats to their lives and safety," the President said.
Jose Maria Sarasola II, general manager of the National Railways, said he fully supports Arroyo's stance.
"If it is found that there is negligence on the part of anybody...definitely we will be the first to prosecute them," he said.
Two machinists on the train have been restricted to their quarters pending an investigation, he said.
Officials said the curved track where the accident occurred--and where another train derailed two months ago--may have been weakened by looters scavenging rail ties and metal for scrap, a common practice in the Philippines.
Padre Burgos Mayor Dominador Villena, quoting the crew and other survivors, said the train was going more than three times the area's speed limit.
Sarasola said he was aware of witness accounts of speeding and reports of theft of rail materials. "All angles are being studied, including the possibility of pilferage," he said.
Workers and soldiers found no other victims pinned under the overturned cars on Saturday, said air force spokesman Lt. Col. Restituto Padilla.
Reuben Sindac, intelligence and investigation chief of the Quezon provincial police, said a higher death toll was reported Friday because rescuers mistakenly reported that some of the injured had died.
He said the casualty figures were clarified Saturday in a meeting of police, military, rescue and Office of Civil Defense officials. (Sunnex/AP)
(November 14, 2004 issue)
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