Two dead, 3 hurt as military vehicle plows through Davao City market

Two people died while three others were injured after a military vehicle driven by a civilian plowed through the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Sunday, Christmas Eve.

The vehicle, a KM450 multipurpose cargo truck from Task Force Davao, was reportedly on standby along Pichon Street at in the public market to ensure security in the area. However, a civilian suddenly hopped on the vehicle and drove it when the driver went out to urinate, according to a report of Jaycel Villacorte of Super Radyo Davao on Super Radyo dzBB.

The Korean-made military truck hit several people in the market then crashed into several vehicles that include a delivery truck, a parked sport utility vehicle and at least two motorcycles.

Two victims, 63-year old Jaime Cole and Rosel Luna Haspe, 34, were pronounced dead on the spot.

The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. as people started to flock to the public market.

Those who were injured were brought to a hospital, while the bodies of those who were killed were transferred to a local funeral home.

The suspect was also arrested by authorities.

The Task Force Davao expressed its sympathies to the victims and is coordinating with their families.

"Task Force Davao takes full responsibility for the incident," the unit said in a statement.

The task force said it is now working closely with the Davao City Police Office to investigate the matter.

In a report from GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, during the initial investigation, the KM450's driver, Private First Class Patrick Trumata was said to have left the vehicle with the engine running to relieve himself. Trumata later said it was to check if his passengers have already disembarked from the cargo bay.

"Bumaba ng saglit po itong driver para i-check ang kasamahan niya kung nakababa na ba lahat sa likot at sumalisi ang suspek at bigla niyang minaneho itong KM450," said Police Major Marvin Hugos, commander of the San Pedro Police Station.

Suspect Crenenandy Rodriguez Cadiente suddenly got into the driver's seat and tried to drive the truck on the crowded road, hitting people and vehicles.

Cadiente was immediately arrested after the incident and is now in police custody. He has yet to issue a statement.He is facing complaints of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide, physical injury and damage to property.

The truck's driver could also be charged administratively if it is proven he was negligent while on duty.

The Davao City government said it has reached out to the victims and their fam,ilies to attend to their needs.—Giselle Ombay/KG/RF, GMA Integrated News