(2ND UPDATE) Two persons died while 16 others were injured in a road accident along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City Sunday morning, April 13.

One public utility jeepney, one modernized jeepney, and a transport network vehicle service car were involved in the incident.

Police said based on CCTV footage, the PUJ was speeding when it hit the rear of the modernized jeepney, causing it to turn turtle.

"Base po sa kanyang salaysay nung siya po ay unang dinala dito sa ating tanggapan, nawalan nga raw po siya ng control dun sa jeepney after niya pong bumangga doon sa likurang parte ng modernized jeep," said P/Lt. Allan Erick Bacalzo, officer-in-charge of QCPD Traffic Section 5.

The two fatalities, including the 16 injured victims, were passengers of the traditional jeepney.

"Sa ngayon po sumasailalim pa po sa imbestigasyon pero as part of our SOP isasailalim po namin 'yung suspek sa alcoholic breath analyzer test saka po sa drug test," Bacalzo said.

A witness recalled how the accident ocurred.

"Nakita ko na lang may nakabalagbag na jeep dito, ang lakas. Nakita ko bumaliktad ho yung jeep. Ta's may mga pasahero sa ilalim. Natakot na nga ho ako pagtingin ko ho rito sa kabila may dalawang nakabulagta," said Jeremias Hernandez, owner of a shoe shop in front of the accident's site.

PAIN OF LOSS

One of the two fatalities was Marky Angel Pakig, who will be celebrating his 19th birthday on April 23.

Expressing disbelief, his sister-in-law, Monanessa Basan, said he was on his way for an entrance exam as a graduating senior high school student.

"Mag-e-entrance exam po yun siya ngayon. Wala kaming alam na exact kung kailan pero nalaman na lang po namin na tumawag yung isang kapatid niya may nadisgrasya nga raw," she said.

"Sobrang sakit po eh. Hindi po kasi namin inakala. Parang biglaan talaga yung nangyari sa kanya," Basan added.

"Si Marky po ay isang masipag na tao siya po ay gustong makapagtapos para makatulong sa kanyang pamilya, especially sa magulang," she stated. Basan wants the driver of the PUJ to be held accountable.

"Kasuhan po para managot po siya kung anuman ‘yung ano nung aksidente," she said.

Bacalzo said they have coordinated with Basan and is still checking the identity of the other fatality.

The driver of the jeepney will face complaints of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries and damage to property.

SHOW CAUSE ORDER

 The Land Transportation Office has also summoned the registered owner and the driver of the passenger jeepney.  

The registered owner was also asked to bring the passenger jeepney to the LTO Central Office in Quezon City for inspection and evaluation, along with its franchise documents.

  “We want to have a clear picture of what happened so that appropriate sanctions would be imposed. We will also ask the drivers of the other motor vehicles involved for a statement as well as coordinate with the local police which is conducting a separate probe,” said LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II.

  In the Show Cause Order signed by LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division chief Renante Melitante, the jeepney driver was asked to explain why he should not be penalized for charges of Reckless Driving (Sec. 48 of R.A. 4136), being improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle pursuant to Sec. 27(a) of R.A. 4136.  

“Failure to appear and submit written comment/explanation as required shall be construed by this office as a waiver of your right to be heard, and the case shall be decided based on the evidence at hand,” the SCO read.