Cop dies, 6 others hurt in Maguindanao Norte highway crash

INQUIRER FILES

HIGHWAY TRAGEDY. The wrecked patrol vehicle of the Buldon Municipal Police Station after a road accident in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on a rainy Sunday night (Dec. 8, 2024). The crash killed a police officer and injured six others, including two drug suspects. (Photo courtesy of Sultan Kudarat MPS)

COTABATO CITY — A police officer died while six others, including two drug suspects, were injured after their patrol vehicle crashed into a roadside home amid heavy rains in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Sunday night.

The accident occurred at 9:30 p.m. in Barangay Gang, Sultan Kudarat Police Chief Lieutenant Colonel Esmael Madin said.

Corporal Cairodin Rumigas of the Buldon Municipal Police Station died from injuries at Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital in Barangay Ungab.

The crash injured four other police officers — Sgt. Musa Calocop, Corporal Baseron Aratuc and Patrolmen Ismael Tagadaya, and Patrolman Diamalodin Esmail — along with two male drug suspects, both residents of Buldon.

The officers were returning to Buldon after escorting the suspects to the Regional Forensic Unit for drug testing when their patrol vehicle lost control and slammed into a house.

“Corporal Aratuc, who was driving, said he lost control of the steering wheel,” Madin said.

The crash also damaged the roadside home, though no residents were injured.
An investigation is ongoing to determine further details about the incident. (PNA)