Pamplona, Cagayan – A man from Pudtol, Apayao, survived a road crash that claimed the life of his companion during the early hours of Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
The crash involved a 'kulong-kulong' carrying the fatality and the man, and a car owned by a businessman.
According to Pamplona police, the two vehicles were traveling along the national road in Curva, Pamplona, in opposite directions around 1 a.m. on the said date when the accident occurred.
The 'kulong-kulong' was en route from Apayao to Sanchez Mira, while the car was heading to Tuguegarao.
Upon reaching the scene of the incident, the car driven by Roger Bautista Jr., 32, unexpectedly veered into the path of the 'kulong-kulong', resulting in a collision between the two vehicles and the tragic death of the 'kulong-kulong' driver, identified by police as Marlon Menor, a resident of Sanchez Mira, Cagayan.
Police reported that Menor was thrown into a rice field approximately five meters away from the highway.
On the other hand, Jonnel Padamada, the survivor, upon seeing the oncoming car about to collide with their vehicle, managed to jump off to avoid being hit, resulting in only minor bruises.
Meanwhile, when questioned by the police, the suspect claimed that he attempted to avoid the 'kulong-kulong', assuming it was going to cross the road, prompting him to switch lanes.
He has since been charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property.
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