THE driver of the van that crashed into a mahogany tree in Alegria town, Cebu was charged on Tuesday afternoon, January 23, before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Cebu City.
A complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries were filed against Gilbert Adlawan dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz opted not to undergo preliminary investigation and file a counter-affidavit during the inquest proceeding conducted by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Raymund Aller.
Aller later issued a charge sheet and set the bail at P40,000. The complaint will be filed in court on Wednesday, January 24.
Dela Cruz claimed he lacked sleep when he drove the van on Saturday, January 20.
The fatalities were Aurora Gagni, Joseph Huang, Juvella Huang, Nunilo Rubio, Rey Pascual, Berniti Rojas and Diana Pascual.
Elenita Rubio, Leonor Tsai, and Fred Tsai were injured. They were brought to a private hospital in Cebu City.
Joselito Costas, Cebu Provincial Tourism Office head, said at the start of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo program in the province that “the Provincial Government can actually take part in making sure that delivery of transport services will ensure the safety of tourists.”
Costas said the accreditation of vans is with the Department of Tourism 7. (KAL, USJ-R Intern John Paul Pepito Fajardo)