DAVAO CITY. A fatal accident resulted in the deaths of two Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity members and injuries to ten others when their van collided with a parked wing van along the national highway in Malungon, Sarangani province, on the morning of Sunday, June 9.
The group was en route to Kidapawan City after participating in a Rover Scout Vigil organized by APO General Santos in Glan, Sarangani. The deceased were identified as Christian Mark Cordero, a resident of M’lang, and Allen Peniero, 24, a resident of Carmen, both in Cotabato province. They died instantly at the scene.
Of the ten injured, two are in critical condition and are receiving intensive care at St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos City. The injured passengers include Kelly Elloise Domingo, 25; Vionel Lumogdang, 24; Erich Vonz Lumogdang, 28; Roger Hunas Jr., 22; Ricky Jay Diola, 21; JC Denver Pampangan Rosite, 23; Kurt Devon Gregor Asagra, 20; Nashryan Egkayogen; Alden Bacus Magbanu; and Zosemo Dela Cruz Crispin, 22. All injured passengers are students of Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC) and come from various towns in Cotabato province.
APO Alpha Tau chapter officials from CMC stated that the twelve members, including the driver, were returning from the scouting event when their van collided with the wing van. Preliminary reports suggest that the wing van was parked on the highway without the legally required early warning devices, which may have contributed to the accident.
Legal experts within the fraternity are currently investigating the incident to determine if there was any negligence by the operator of the parked vehicle. The absence of safety measures, such as early warning devices, is a critical point in their inquiry.
In response to the tragedy, APO members have initiated fundraising efforts to support their injured brothers, calling on individuals to contribute and help cover the medical expenses of those hospitalized. The accident has highlighted the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic laws to prevent such incidents in the future.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
