What started as a joyful New Year outing in Davao City ended in tragedy for a family from Maguindanao del Norte. Their tight-knit Catholic community is mourning and demanding justice for a horrific highway collision.
The lives of four family members—spouses Remie and Edna Centena, and their relatives Mary Joy Lastimoso and Sherlyn Altimo—were abruptly cut short when a driver of a speeding van caused the devastating incident. Their remains were brought home late Saturday to Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, from the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.
Mayor Lester Sinsuat and Barangay Chairperson Bai Ivy Rose Sinsuat extended their support to the grieving families, providing assistance in transporting the victims and preparing for their wakes. The local government’s swift response offered some solace to a community reeling from the tragedy.
The Fateful Journey
The Centena couple, Lastimoso, and Altimo were traveling home in a white passenger van when their journey took a fatal turn. A speeding silver van coming from the opposite direction swerved into their lane on the highway in Binugao, Toril District. The impact was catastrophic, claiming four lives and injuring five other passengers.
CCTV footage from the scene revealed the alarming speed of the silver van, driven by Khadafy Landasan Salik from Kabacan, Cotabato. The violent crash left the victims’ van mangled and their families devastated.
Salik is now in police custody, with reports of his arrest confirmed by the Davao City Police Office.
Survivors and Heartbreak
Omar Lastimoso, the driver of the ill-fated van and husband of Mary Joy, survived the accident but sustained multiple injuries. His survival is a bitter reminder of the lost lives, including his beloved wife.
The families while mourning, they also demanded for accountability and justice.
A Community in Grief
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Barangay Tamontaka, where the victims lived. The support from local leaders, including logistical assistance for the wakes, underscores the collective grief and solidarity of the town.
This incident serves as a somber reminder for stricter enforcement of road safety measures. For the families left behind, the pursuit of justice has just began.
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