THREE police trainees died when the vehicle they were riding crashed in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, May 6, while 17 of their companions, including their driver and a helper, were injured and currently recuperating in the hospital.
Police identified the fatalities as police trainees Roigie Bulay, Elbert Sheen Labra and Aldred Catane.
Investigation disclosed that they were on board an Isuzu Canter truck that was traveling downhill from Camp General Capistrano in Gusa when the brakes allegedly exploded.
The truck, which was driven by Jomar Ihong, was carrying used tires and pieces of wood for the 4th Infantry Division, Camp Evangelista, in Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
The truck crashed into the gate of Mountain Meadows Subdivision and flipped on its side.
Police Major Julius Clark Macariola, Police Station 3 commander, said the impact of the collision resulted in the death of the three police recruits.
"Pagkanaog nabuthan daw sa brake ug nawad-an sa control ang driver busa nabangga sa brake ug nitagilid ang sakyanan," Macariola said.
(They said the brakes exploded and the driver lost control of the breaks until the vehicle swerved sidewards.)
He also said that the said truck was possibly rented.
Investigators are still looking into whether there is a mechanical error as claimed by the driver and to also determine the criminal liability.
But Macariola said the driver may face reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injury charges.
"Automatic mana ang kaso labaw na kung naay complainant," Macariola said.
(The case is filed automatically, especially when there's a complainant)
Other victims were admitted at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) and Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC).