2 dead in Christmas road accident in Davao del Norte

MANILA, Philippines—Two persons were killed on Christmas Day after the vehicles they were riding figured in an accident in Davao del Norte, the Highway Patrol Group said Monday.

Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, HPG director, said the two vehicles collided along the Davao-Agusan national highway in Purok 4, Tuganay, Carmen, Davao del Norte, around 7:20 a.m. Sunday when the Toyota Hiace commuter van driven by Yusop Anting encroached on the opposite lane that the Kia Sephia Sedan (MCB 987) driven by Francis Eric Balo was taking toward the direction of Tagum City.

Espina said the collision seriously wounded Balo and his three passengers, as well as the nine passengers of the car driven by Anting.

The injured were taken to the Carmen District Hospital and the Rivera Hospital in Panabo City, but passengers Antonio Franco Balo and Philip Padeno were declared dead on arrival, Director Espina said.

He said Anting was placed by Carmen municipal police under their custody for proper disposition and filling of appropriate charges.