4 killed, 20 hurt as truck falls into ditch in Davao Oriental

TAGUM CITY—Four girls were killed while more than 20 other people were injured when the truck they were riding in fell into a ditch in Mati City, Davao Oriental, early Friday,  police said.

The vehicle came from Pantukan in Compostela Valley when it careened off the road and turned on its side as it was entering Barangay Taguibo in Mati City around 7 a.m., said Senior Supt. Harry Espela, the Davao Oriental police chief.

The dead were identified as Rachelle Manulat, 12; Rhea Jane Domincillo and Danna Jane Saren, both 10; and Steffani Ann Baltonado, 9.

Chief Insp. Andrea de la Cerna, the Southern Mindanao police spokesperson, said the Isuzu Forward (LEA-551) driven by Nove Saren of Tagum City missed the road after its brakes apparently malfunctioned.

Authorities said the victims, all members of the religious sect Iglesia ni Cristo, were on their way to a sporting event in Mati City.

The truck driver was taken into custody and investigation was being conducted./rga