CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – The driver of an 18-wheeler cargo truck that plowed into a row of eateries and houses along Sumulong Highway in Antipolo City last Thursday morning was charged in court yesterday together with his helper.
Police said truck driver Philip Adriano and his helper, Artemio Monleon, 26, were charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple serious physical injuries with damage to property before the provincial prosecutor’s office in Antipolo City.
Police said Adriano was also brought to the crime laboratory to determine if he was under the influence of drugs when the incident that killed eight people and injured 13 others happened.
The cause of the accident was mechanical trouble since the cargo truck lost its breaks, police said.
According to the report of SPO1 Roy Panotes, officer-on-case, the cargo truck with license plate RFD-594 driven by Adriano, was speeding when it lost its brakes and first slammed into an owner-type jeep driven by Elpidio Balamiento.
After hitting the jeep, the truck went on and crashed into the rear of a passenger jeepney driven by Ramonito Asis, then plowed into the row of roadside houses and eateries which were then filled with people having lunch.
The fatalities were identified as Jonathan Sarol, 15, and his brother, Jason Sarol, 17; John Marvin Baccay, John Nomer Azucenas, Rodel Cornelio, Marilyn Corpuz, Liza Tobias, and Ibrahim Adil. Their remains were brought to the St. James Funeral Homes in Barangay Mayamot.
Adriano, Monleon and Baliamento, along with eight others, were rushed to the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center in Marikina City while two others were taken to the Antipolo Medical Hospital.
Superintendent Rodino Elfa, Antipolo City police chief, said police officers found in the truck a piece of aluminum foil that they suspect was used for snorting shabu. – With Non Alquitran - By Ed Amoroso
