13 students killed, 3 hurt in Benguet vehicle mishap

Photo courtesy of Buguias Municipal Police Station

MANILA — Thirteen persons, mostly high school students, were killed after their service vehicle — a Ford Fiera (ABF-436) — fell into a 300-foot deep ravine in Buguias, Benguet, Tuesday afternoon.

Three others were seriously hurt in the accident.

Cordillera Region Police Office spokesperson Supt. Davy Vicente Lim-Ong said the accident took place at around 4 p.m. at Bangbangayen, Barangay Poblacion, Buguias town.

Lim-Ong said driver Efren Dalisdis died on the spot along with Jera Flair Mayao, 15; Maricel Basatan, 13; Jera Madiano, 15; Jeribeth Simeon, 12; Jasmin Lestino, 15; Nenerva Menzi, 16; and Angie Aguien, 15, all students of Poblacion National High School.

Police said four other students were declared dead by doctors at the Lutheran Hospital where they were taken. They were identified as Meljoy Agustin, 15; Ivonne Bestre, 13; John Ray Dalisdis, 16; and Mari Faith Lamsis, 16.

Charee Bestre, 15, was transferred to the Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad, but she expired around Tuesday midnight.

Still being treated are Reyshan Latuwed, 18; Jamerose Bankin, 15; and Elejoy Agyapas, 17.

Lim-ong said they are still determining the exact cause of the accident.