Iloilo, Philippines — At least 40 individuals were injured after a private jeepney overturned in Barangay Maninila, Miagao, Iloilo on Black Saturday, April 19.
According to Police Major Richard Lao, chief of the Miagao Municipal Police Station, the victims were on their way from Barangay Baong, Alimodian to San Joaquin, Iloilo for a beach outing when the accident occurred.
Among those injured were children aged between five and 15 years old. Lao revealed that the jeepney was overloaded, carrying a total of 57 passengers — over 20 of whom were riding on the vehicle’s roof.
Initial investigations suggest that a tire may have malfunctioned, leading to the vehicle flipping over.
In a separate incident on Good Friday, a barangay official was killed in a stabbing in Dawis, New Lucena, Iloilo. The victim was identified as Barangay Kagawad Ric Porquez.
Police reports indicate that the altercation began after the official confronted two suspects about their alleged inappropriate behavior toward a woman in the area. A disagreement escalated, resulting in the fatal stabbing.
Meanwhile, two drowning incidents were also reported during the same period. A 13-year-old boy drowned while swimming at Malagumpit Falls in Barangay Cahigon, Calinog, while a 59-year-old man drowned in the sea off Banate, Iloilo.
As Easter Sunday was celebrated, authorities issued renewed reminders for the public to exercise caution, especially during vacation activities.
Police Lt. Col. Arnel Solis, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), assured that security operations are in full effect across the region, but emphasized that safety starts with personal vigilance.
