ALEOSAN, Cotabato — A supposed outing trip turned tragic after a devastating road crash left four people dead, including a child, and at least 29 others injured along the national highway in Barangay San Mateo on Saturday afternoon, April 4.
Initial police reports said the accident occurred at around 3:00 p.m. when a white elf truck carrying dozens of passengers from Barangay Batulawan in Pikit was en route to Cotabato City for an outing.
Based on CCTV footage and accounts gathered by authorities, the truck driver allegedly attempted to avoid a motorcycle while traversing the highway. In the process, the driver swerved sharply, causing the vehicle to hit the center island. The impact forced the truck into the opposite lane, where it collided head-on with an oncoming blue multicab.
The multicab, reportedly owned by the Hernan family, was traveling from the town center of Aleosan and heading home to Barangay Bagolibas when the collision occurred.
Due to the force of the crash, the elf truck overturned on the highway, throwing several passengers off the vehicle. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with injured passengers sprawled across the road as bystanders rushed to help.
Emergency responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), barangay rescue units, Abanteros volunteers, and other emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene. More than 10 ambulances were deployed to transport the injured to the Aleosan District Hospital and nearby medical facilities.
Despite the swift response, four victims were declared dead on arrival by attending physicians. They were identified as:
- Angela Kamensa, 21, of Barangay Lawili, Aleosan
- Lukaya Adil, 43, also of Barangay Lawili, Aleosan
- Arshahid Amara Adzal, 3, of Barangay Batulawan, Pikit
- Sambabay Andatuan, 50, of Barangay Batulawan, Pikit
At least 10 injured victims remain confined in hospitals, while five others were transferred to larger medical facilities in Midsayap due to more serious injuries. One critically injured patient was referred to a regional hospital in Cotabato City for advanced treatment. Several others sustained minor injuries and were treated and later discharged.
Authorities from the Philippine National Police have taken the truck driver into custody as part of the ongoing investigation to determine liability and the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Local officials reiterated calls for heightened road safety, especially during the Holy Week period when traffic volume significantly increases. The MDRRMO urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, adhere to traffic rules, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy to prevent similar tragedies.
The investigation remains ongoing.