Newly ordained Catholic deacon in Tabuk City one of casualties in truck-van collision in Isabela

Tabuk City, Kalinga – It was only a month when Reverend Victor S. Mangulian Jr. officially served as a minister in Tabuk City when his ministry journey was cut short by a tragic accident that instantly took nine lives along the national highway in Aurora, Isabela.

Rev. Victor, who was born on September 22, 1991, was ordained as a Deacon of the Saint William’s Cathedral on June 18, 2025.

On July 19, just a month after he was ordained and assigned on his first ministry, the deacon lost his life along with eight others when two vans, white and silver, bound for Tabuk City were hit by a six-wheeler truck.

His remains were brought at the Pastoral Center of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk in Bulanao on Sunday, July 20, where a mass was held for him by parishioners and his loved ones who gathered in prayer and remembrance.

The Saint William’s Cathedral, through their Facebook page, described that the newly ordained deacon had touched many lives with his humility, dedication, and love for God and His people. 

“Rev. Victor had just begun his journey in ordained ministry, with his first assignment at Saint William’s Cathedral. In such a short span, he touched many lives through his humility, dedication, and deep love for God and His people. His passing is a deep wound to all of us who were blessed to know him. We grieve not only the loss of a brother in faith, but also the great potential of a life dedicated to service that was taken too soon,” the church wrote.