PCG frontliner killed, six others injured in Batangas accident

MANILA, Philippines — A frontliner from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was killed while six others were injured in a vehicular accident in Batangas on their way to Metro Manila to assist stranded overseas FIlipino workers (OFWs).

One of the tires of the multipurpose van carrying the frontliners exploded along STAR Tollway in Ibaan, Batangas at 2:43 p.m. Tuesday, the PCG said on Wednesday.

The vehicle has just come from Sta. Clara, Batangas on its way to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) to assist repatriated OFWs.

Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Cenen Epetito was declared dead on arrival at the Batangas Healthcare Specialists Medical Center while ASN Adrian Añonuevo sustained minor hematoma and remains under intensive medical supervision.

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The other victims, who were “conscious and coherent when they arrived in the hospital, were identified as:

Seaman Second Class (SN2) Pacifico Casipi

SN2 Erdie Rojales

ASN Rouin Alvarez

ASN John Kristopher Mojica

Candidate Coast Guard Man (CCGM) McLester Saguid

The five will remain confined in the hospital until they are declared in “good physical condition,” the PCG said.

“The Command will extend necessary assistance to the bereaved family of ASN Epetito who selflessly fought the battle for public health and safety amid COVID-19 pandemic,” the agency said in a statement on Facebook.

The other victims, meanwhile, will receive medical treatment “until they regain their strength to perform their call of duty again,” the PCG added.

EDV