Pregnant woman, 2 others die in New Year’s Day road mishap in Cotabato

This Suzuki multicab was carrying 12 persons when it overshot from the highway and hit a roadside railing in Barangay Central Malamote, Matalam, Cotabato on Jan. 1, 2025. (Photo courtesy of DXND Radyo Bida)

MATALAM, Cotabato – A supposed New Year’s Day reunion turned into a disaster when a fully loaded vehicle figured in an accident along the national highway here on Wednesday.

Maj. Maxim Peralta, Matalam police chief, said a Suzuki multicab carrying 12 persons, including four minors, overshot from the highway in Barangay Central Malamote at about 10 a.m.

The multicab then hit a roadside metal railing, sending its passengers literally flying and landing on concrete pavement, Peralta added.

Rescue workers rushed the injured to a local hospital but three of them died there hours later.

Dennis Pillado, an off-duty soldier who drove the vehicle, told traffic investigators that they were proceeding to Pres. Roxas town to celebrate New Year’s Day with relatives when the accident happened.

Those who died were Almira Pillado, Michelle Pillado who was pregnant, and Liza Rulida, all residents of Barangay Dalipe of nearby Mlang town.