FIVE people were injured when a passenger bus-heavy equipment collision along the highway linking the cities of Isabela and Lamitan in Basilan province.

The police reported that the incident happened around 11 a.m. Tuesday in the village of Baluno, Isabela City, Basilan.

The police said three of the five were identified as Jesus Leonardo, 59; Sheryl Villa, 35, a public school teacher; and Perfecto Miñosa, 41, a militiaman. The other two were children.

Initial investigation showed the passenger bus driven by Ronaldo Santos, 35, was traveling to Lamitan City coming from Isabela City when it collided with the road roller.

Santos told the police that the bus collided with the road roller as its brake malfunctioned.

The road roller is owned by a construction firm undertaking a road project in the area.

The police said the injured passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment. (SunStar Philippines)