By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The death toll from a vehicular accident in Mabinay, Negros Oriental last Wednesday has risen to 15 after another passenger succumbed to their injuries later that evening.
Police Lieutenant Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (Norppo), confirmed the latest fatality as 26-year-old Almar Egoogan of La Libertad town, who passed away around 6 p.m. while receiving treatment at a hospital.
The provincial police office has also released the names of the 14 other individuals who died at the scene: Ireneo Magos, 37; Fe Decipolo; Rolindo Decipolo Sr., 63; Jemboy Egoogan; Rolindo Decipolo Jr., 29; Marlon Solidad, 46; Rex Decipolo, 33; Rene Magos, 46; Allan Flores, 36; Allen Pocong, 44; Remond Llenes, 29; Roy Magos, 29; Leo Soreño, 43; and Jacob Labrador, 28—all residents of La Libertad town.
According to Polinar, the victims, who were livestock buyers, were traveling in a truck driven by Antonio Toreno when he lost control due to brake failure. They were en route to Barangay Dawis, Bayawan City, to purchase hogs when the vehicle plunged into a cliff at Sitio Tubod, Barangay Bulwang, around 1:46 p.m.
The truck, owned by Rolindo Decipolo Sr., one of the deceased, was part of a tragic incident that also left driver Antonio Toreno and passenger Jovanni Flores seriously injured, now hospitalized in Sibulan town.
Polinar noted that the road conditions were hazardous due to ongoing rain over the past two days, making the zigzagging, mountainous path particularly slippery. “The road descends in a curve, making it challenging to navigate,” he added, labeling the incident as the worst accident in Mabinay since his assignment to the province last year.
He also mentioned that the victims’ cash, totaling P1,135,000 intended for hog purchases, was recovered and has been returned to their families.
In the wake of this tragedy, the municipality of La Libertad has offered its deepest sympathies to the families of the 15 individuals who lost their lives. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the souls of the departed, and we wish their grieving families comfort and strength during this challenging time,” stated the municipal government on its Facebook page shortly after the accident.
The community has been urged to pray for the swift recovery of the two individuals still under medical care.
The La Libertad municipal government expressed its appreciation to Mayor Ernie Uy, the Mabinay Rescue Team, and the Mabinay Health Office for their swift action during the rescue and recovery efforts.
