In a devastating incident in Barangay Malasila, Makilala, North Cotabato, a 10-wheeler truck carrying fertilizers crashed, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, including a young kindergarten student. The tragedy occurred early Thursday morning when the truck, unable to stop due to brake failure, barreled through the area near Malasila Elementary School. Among the deceased were the truck driver, Leopoldo Ybañez, his assistant, and a person with a disability who was in a house struck by the vehicle. The victims also included Joel Pamplona, 35, Christina Pamplona, 37, and their 5-year-old son Jeremiah, who were on their way to school when the accident happened. Other fatalities were identified as Benjamin Ganub, Jeralyn Bangcot, Carlo Dejucos, 34, and Jeomar Pagaran Ramirez. The truck’s impact caused some victims to be trapped under the vehicle or buried by the spilled fertilizers. One of the six initially injured victims succumbed to injuries later at a hospital in Kidapawan City. Local officials, including Makilala disaster officer Sonny Fontanilla and Malasila village chair Jeckery Pontesor, are involved in ongoing investigations and support efforts for the affected families.
