THIRTEEN people died from drowning when their vehicle plunged into an irrigation canal in Tabuk City in Kalinga on Sunday evening, April 18, 2021.
Two others in the vehicle, identified as Edith Perez and Cyrel Agtulao, were rescued by responders.
Among the fatalities were three children aged 3, 4 and 5 years old.
The fatalities were Soy Lope Agtulao, driver of the vehicle; Sidewyn Agtulao, Sywin Agtulao and Sonnie Lope, all residents of Tadian, Mountain Province; and Jessiebel Paycao, Judilyn Talawec Dumayon, Alfredo Cotit Lope, Remedios Longey Basilio, Marlo Perenia and Paycao Cydric, who were from Bulanao, Tabuk City.
Police said the 15 people crammed into a Ford Everest sports utility vehicle to go to Bulo Lake. The vehicle has a capacity of only seven people, including the driver. It fell into the irrigation canal at around 6:15 p.m. Sunday.
Kalinga Governor Ferdinand Tubban said he has instructed the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) to provide the necessary assistance to the bereaved families. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)