6-month-old baby, 5 others killed in Bontoc ravine crash

BONTOC, Mountain Province — A 6-month-old baby and five other passengers were killed after an elf carrying 27 people plunged into a deep ravine along the Talubin-Barlig Road in Sitio Jakap, Barangay Talubin, Bontoc on Tuesday, September 15.

The fatalities were identified by the Bontoc Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) as 6-month-old Rex Walitan, Theresa Walitan, three adult females, and one adult male.

Seventeen other passengers were injured in the crash and brought to medical facilities for treatment.

The injured were identified as Diana Bless Awis and Mafia Mendoza, who were treated as outpatients; Justin Alwis, Grayson Mendoza, Lexie Walitan, Gabriel Alwis, Shardia Abangley, John Lloyd Alwis, Delvin Panganiban, Hazel Jane Pudico, Vilma Alwis, Glorifina Mendoza, Chumayna Walitan, Mark Steve Mendoza, Uhadenzel Panganiban, and Rohen Pudico, who were admitted; and Sapiras Walitan, who was referred to Luis Hora Regional Hospital.

Initial reports said the elf came from Isabela and was bound for Bakun, Benguet via Paracelis Road when the driver allegedly lost control of the steering wheel upon reaching the crash site.

The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and plunged into a 50- to 100-meter-deep ravine.

The Bontoc MDRRMO said rescue teams immediately rushed to the area after the Emergency Operations Center received an alert about the accident at around 12:40 p.m.

Rescuers eventually retrieved all 27 passengers from the crash site Tuesday afternoon.

Before the responders were demobilized, Fathers Allen Basilio and Ferdie Fulatao blessed the emergency personnel who took part in the rescue operation.

The Bontoc MDRRMO said the tragedy underscores the continuing need to strengthen road safety measures, while extending its condolences to the victims and their families.