2 die as jeep falls off Quezon cliff

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Two persons died while eight others were injured when an owner-type jeep fell into a cliff in Infanta, Quezon on Sunday morning.

Adelina Peñamante and Adrian Mercado were declared dead on arrival at the Claro M. Recto District Hospital, where their companions were also taken for treatment of injuries.

The passengers, who were members of the Dumagat tribe, were on their way to an outreach program in General Nakar along with a Canadian pastor, identified as Nelvin Paul Maldaner.

The vehicle, driven by American pastor Loren Paul Miller, reportedly developed engine trouble as it was traveling along Marilaque Highway at around 5:30 a.m.

Miller lost control of the wheel, causing the jeep to fall into the ravine in Barangay Magsaysay.

Maldaner, Miller and three children were among those taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

Infanta police chief Maj. Fernando Credo said the road was slippery as it was raining.

Meanwhile, in Agusan del Norte, seven persons including two policemen and an inmate were also injured in a collision in Butuan City.

S/Sgts. Saulo Loreto and Paul Abad were transporting Reginald Kiem to the police station when their pickup truck collided with a van in Barangay Ampayon on Sunday morning.

The passengers of the van were taken to a hospital for treatment along with the policemen and the detainee. – John Unson