About 20 students from Balbalan injured in road crash

Balbalan, Kalinga – Around 20 students who are set to participate in the ongoing Kalinga Bodong Festival celebration were injured following a road accident Tuesday morning, February 11, 2025, in Balantoy, Balbalan.

These learners are Balbalan’s representatives in the drum and lyre competition scheduled on February 13.

Balbalan Police Chief, PCpt. Tyrone John Balanay told GURU Press Cordillera that the road accident happened around 9:00 a.m. in Sitio Saleng, Balantoy. At that time, more or less 30 students were on their way to Tabuk City to ready for their performance this coming Thursday.

According to a police report, when the jeep ferrying the students reached the place of the incident, the vehicle lost its brakes. The driver made a quick maneuver, directing the vehicle to the right to avoid the ravine on the left side, causing the jeep to fall on its right.

“Na-lose break [while] going down. Inturturong diay driver, imbag ta right side naibaliktadan na, haan nga idiay ravine idiay left side,” Balanay said.

The Chief of Police cited that at least 20 students were injured in the incident and that they were all referred to the hospital. 

Based on the PNP Balbalan’s initial findings, no one died from the incident.