PAGBILAO, Quezon (Updated 1:50 p.m.) -- Five people were confirmed dead when a passenger bus they were riding fell off a cliff in Pagbilao, Quezon on Sunday, a radio report said.
Forty-three others were also reportedly injured when the CUL Bus Transport fell into a 12-foot cliff after its brake malfunctioned while the driver was negotiating a zigzag road in Maharlika Highway in Barangay Silangan Malicboy.
One of the victims has been identified as Milagros Eguia, a 63-year-old retired teacher from Tala Lora, Western Samar.
Henry Buzar, Quezon Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council chairman, said the accident took place around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
According to the report, the bus came from Tacloban, Leyte and was headed for Manila.
Those injured, including the bus driver, identified as 36-year-old Oscar Pedrigosa, were rushed to hospitals in the province.
Police will file criminal charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries against Pedrigosa. (Sunnex)