Two teachers and one student lost their lives in a motorcycle collision along the national highway in Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato.
The victims were identified as 28-year-old Rezile Joy De Padua, a teacher at SEAIT from Libertad, Surallah, who was driving the motorcycle, 24-year-old criminology student Jonaira T. Ambaco of Kematu, T’boli, and SEAIT teacher Glykiel Jade Bico of Koronadal City.
The Tupi Municipal Police Station, through Information Officer PSMSGT Rea Gatinao, confirmed the identities and details of the incident to Bombo Radyo Koronadal.
According to Gatinao, the victims were traveling from Koronadal to Tupi when their motorcycle attempted an overtaking maneuver but collided head-on with an oncoming Toyota Hilux cargo van driven by 53-year-old Anthony Teloren from General Santos City.
The three female passengers on the motorcycle were confirmed dead on arrival due to the force of the impact, which caused them to be thrown from the vehicle.
One of the victims, Bico, was found some distance from the crash site after being thrown into a grassy area.
The driver of the Toyota Hilux cargo van has surrendered to authorities and is currently under the custody of Tupi Municipal Police for further investigation.
Gatinao urged the public to drive cautiously and avoid factors that could lead to accidents, such as driving under the influence, lack of sleep, or any distractions that could endanger lives.