Military truck goes wayward; 2 hurt

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Two motorists were hurt when a military truck went wayward in Barangay San Jose Gusu of this city on Friday, July 19.

The truck hit the barriers and signages of a government office before hitting several vehicles, including those boarded by the injured.

Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, said one of their M35 trucks was enroute to the Marine barracks in Arturo Asuncion in Barangay Cabatangan of this city when, upong reaching Barangay San Jose Gusu, the truck lost it breaks.

“According to our driver, the truck’s brake malfunctioned. To ensure minimal casualty and damages, he was forced to hit the PAFCPIC (Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative) signages and fence,” Kagaoan explained.

The Navy truck, driven by Fireman First Class Jeromy Lacastesantos Bello, then hit several vehicles, injuring Army Major Mukam Sahial, who was driving a Foton vehicle; and Albakre Bandahala, 18, a motorcycle rider.

Police Captain Edwin Duco, spokesperson of the Zamboanga City Police Office, said the two injured motorists were brought to the Camp Basilio Navarro Hospital at the Western Mindanao Command for immediate medical attention.

Kagaoan said the Philippine Naval Installation Facility would take responsibility for the repair of the damaged properties, and would help the victims of the accident. /lzb