2 killed, 3 others injured as military truck rams into crowd of market-goers
DAVAO CITY (MIndaNews / 24 December) — Two persons were killed while three others were injured after a civilian-driven military truck of the Task Force Davao ran them over along a busy street in Bankerohan Public Market at around 5:30 a.m. on Christmas eve.
Capt. Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson for Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said initial reports indicate that Private First Class (PFC) Patrick Saguin, who was driving the KM450 truck, left it along A. Pichon Street with its engine running to attend to some “personal necessities.” A man identified as Crenenandy Rodriguez Cadiente, 44, of Bucana, boarded, drove, and crashed the vehicle into the victims, a number of them waiting for public utility jeepneys. Parked vehicles were also damaged as the vehicle moved until it hit a truck.
Two persons were killed while three others were injured when a military truck rammed into a crowd of market-goers at the side streets of Bankerohan in Davao City on Sunday, 24 December 2023. The truck hit parked vehicles on the right and left lanes of A. Pichon St. Photo courtesy of Davao City Police Office
Tuazon identified victims who died on the spot as 63-year old Jamie Lopez Cole of Kilometer 10, Buhangin District, Cabantian, and 34-year old Rocel Luna Haspe of Purok 15 Green Street at Spring Village, Ma-a.
The three injured, according to Tuzaon are Teresita Pilapil Tangaro, 45, of Piapi Boulevard, Michael Baldoman Maghuyop, 44, of Barangay Mandug, and Mae Antoneth P. Anticamara, 20, of Purok 11 Santo Niño, Barangay 76-A Bucana.
She said the injured pedestrians were brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center while those who died were brought to Angel Funeral Homes along F. Torres Street.
MindaNews sought Task Force Davao spokesperson Captain John Louie Dema-ala but as of 3 p..m., he has yet to reply.
But Major Marvin Hugos, chief of the San Pedro Police Station an interview with DXGM Super Radyo, said Cadiente could face reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. He said the military driver could also face charges.
“Basig na-curious lang to siya, iyang gikuri-kuri unya miabante lang og kalit ang sakyanan (Maybe he was curious, he tinkered with the steering wheel and the vhecile suddenly moved forward), Hugos said.
Hugos said they are still looking into allegations that Cadiente has mental health issues. (Antonio L. Colina IV with a report from Ian Carl Espinosa/ MindaNews)