Neighbors and acquaintances of the Maglente family were shocked and saddened by their tragic accident in Magsangyaw, Tupi, South Cotabato.
Five family members died in the accident involving the L300 van they were riding in while returning from a visit to a tourist spot in Magsangyaw as part of their holiday vacation.
Close family neighbor Estrella Estrada expressed disbelief upon hearing the news of the tragedy that befell the Maglente family during their vacation.
She said she last spoke to the family last Sunday when they left for South Cotabato for their vacation.
Mrs. Estrada mentioned she even gave them some biko (a Filipino rice cake) for them to enjoy during their trip.
Of the six family members, only Oliver Maglente survived with minor injuries, as he was driving the van at the time of the accident.
Among the deceased are couple Joel and Annabelle Maglente, their children Joan, Duke, and Ike, as well as two minor nieces from Cotabato.
The victims had planned to visit Samal Islands after their stay in South Cotabato.
Annabelle was originally from South Cotabato, while Joel was from Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.