LAOAG CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reminded motorists anew not to drive when under the influence of liquor.
The police reiterated this call following a vehicular accident along the national highway in Cadaratan, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte early Wednesday, where the driver and passengers of the ill-fated van all tested positive of alcohol.
Two of the van passengers perished in the mishap. They were identified as Tristan Lorenzo, 35, a “balikbayan” from Kauai in Hawaii, United States, who was supposed to get married today, June 28; and Christian Philip Agravante from Barangay 1, Pagudpud town.
Those injured were identified as: Ryan Martinez, 31, the driver of the van; Aristotle Riveral, 21; Jhumer Cristobal, 24; Whilly Porillo, 18; Aervelle Cylde Pascua, 23; Aerolle Khave Pascua, 22; Christian Philip Agravante, 32; all residents of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.
Chief Insp. Rodelio Santos of the Bacarra Police Station said based on initial investigation, the victims’ gray Toyota Hi-Ace van was heading southward along the national highway around 1:25 a.m. Wednesday when the driver lost control of the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to bump into a portion of the Bacarra welcome arch.
The van incurred heavy damages due to the strong impact.
“For our safety, we are calling on all concerned drivers not to drive anymore if they are under the influence of liquor,” said Santos. PNA-northboundasia.com