Van crashed into tree, kills 9 in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY – A passenger van crashed into a tree and killing 9 people before dawn Saturday in southern Philippines, police said.

Police were investigating if the driver dozed off at the wheel that caused it to crash in Matalam town in North Cotabato province. Three other people were injured in the crash and rushed to hospital by rescuers.

The van came from Davao City and was heading to Kabacan town also in North Cotabato when the accident occurred. It was unknown if the driver was among the dead.

The names of the fatalities were not immediately known, but police were trying to locate their families to inform them of the tragedy.

Meanwhile in South Cotabato, police have tightened security for the visit Sunday of President Aquino in Santo Niño to pay his last respect to policeman Ryan Fuyonan, who was a member of his security.

The 43-year old Fuyonan – who served as Aquino’s aide since he was a senator – died from an illness. Aquino also praised Fuyonan’s dedication to the police service during his State of the Nation Address in July this year. (Mindanao Examiner)

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