Four Soldiers Seriously Injured in a Vehicular Accident in Catanduanes

VIRAC, Catanduanes Dec 10 2010– Four Army soldiers were seriously injured when the military truck they were riding met an accident at 9:00 am today, a military official said here today.

Lieutenant Colonel Danilo Aquino, Commander of the 83rd Infantry Battalion where the soldiers belong, said that the soldiers came from a security operation in the capital town of Virac which celebrates the International Human Rights Day today.

Twenty soldiers were on board the said truck and were on their way back to their military base in San Andres town when the M35 6x6 truck lost its brake while negotiating a narrow road downhill in San Jose village in San Andres town.

“The vehicle’s driver, Corporal Paz,  maneuvered the truck away from an incoming passenger motorcycle which was full of commuters. The truck laid on its sides after it rammed the road cut in a slope resulting to the various injuries of the military passengers,” said Aquino.

Four of the soldiers were seriously injured includingPrivate First Class Jay A Batanes 874231 (Inf) PA, Private Kenneth U Olivenza 887872 (Inf) PA, Private Jerome R Tongga 887961(Inf) PA and Pvt Alex M Brotamante 887908. They are now currently treated in a hospital in Virac town for multiple bone fractures.

Another fifteen soldiers were slightly injured. They were said to be suffering from slight bruises and cuts.

They were identified as Private Kristian T Visaya , Pvt Anthony N Moico, Pvt George Norvin P Nacion, Pvt Rexon C Acueza, Pvt Jaypee H Bolival, Pvt Ariel B Fornoles, Pvt Marlon B Ladio,Pvt Sonny B Anonuevo, Pvt Jomar T Raña, Pvt Emmel V Dolor, Pvt Jose A San Gabriel Jr, Pvt Alex S Mota, Pvt Elme M Gayo, Pvt Mark Ariel G Sanchez, Pvt Paulo M Felices, Pvt Junrick C Estelloso.

Major General Ruperto Pabustan, the Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has immediately directed the 83rd Infantry Battalion to conduct investigation to determine the cause of the freak accident and to ensure that appropriate medical attention is given to the injured soldiers.