Passenger documents Florida bus crash before dying

On the brink of death, aspiring filmmaker Christian "Mylo" Cabardo had the presence of mind to crawl through a ghastly crash scene to record lifeless fellow passengers and wounded friends crying for help. 

In a video and in photos released to GMA News by Cabardo's family, the late artist was able to document the situation on the ground minutes after the bus operated by GV Florida fell into a deep ravine in Bontoc, Mt. Province on February 7.

Cabardo was even able to take photos of his bloodied face and legs, GMA News' "24 Oras" reported Friday.

Cabardo was reportedly using a different camera during the trip but he lost hold of it as the bus fell down the slope. As survivors wailed in pain, Cabardo crawled, himself suffering from serious injuries, to get another camera in his bag.

"That's the time na sabi niya, I need the other camera in my bag. Kailangan kong picturan lahat ng ito, kailangan ko ma-document lahat," said Cabardo's brother, Chris Mark.

"Tumatakbo sa isip niya somehow na kung hindi ko ma-survive ito—kasi nga in pain yung brother ko at that time—sabi niya, kailangan makita ng mga tao kung gano ka-grabe yung accident," he added.

The original camera that Cabardo used to document the crash as it happened can no longer be found, "24 Oras" report said. He had been recording as the driver tried to control the speeding, brakeless bus before it fell over the edge.



Cabardo's mother, Estrella, meanwhile narrated the incident based on her last conversation with her son before he was airlifted by the military from Bontoc to Manila a day after the incident.

 "Sabi niya (Mylo), 'Nag sho-shoot ako ng marinig ko na sumisigaw ang driver na 'wala na tayong preno, wala na tayong preno!' Tapos may narinig siyang sumisigaw na ibangga mo sa pader, ibangga mo sa  pader, tapos after that parang lumipad na raw sila," Estrella narrated.

Cabardo underwent an operation in Manila but died on February 9 from complications.

Estrella, who rushed to Bontoc after the incident, said her son even showed her the photos he took after the incident.

"Mommy, nakita ko si Tado patay, nakita ko si David (Sicam) patay. Eto, mommy, yung pinicturan ko, pinicturan ko pati sarili ko. Ayun, pinakita niya lahat sa 'kin yun (photos)," Estrella narrated of their last conversation.

Cabardo was already dead when Estrella arrived at the hospital after commuting back from Bontoc to Manila by bus.

"Sabi nila ganun daw ang buhay, kaya lang ang sakit pala, ang hirap pala mawalan ng anak... Maya't-maya naaalala ko siya," Estrella said.

Chris Mark meanwhile noted his brother's uncanny way of thinking.

"For a normal person, ang first na maiisip mo is to cry for help... Pero siya hindi... grabe talaga siya, ito pa rin yung naisip, to tell a story to us kung ano ang nangyari," Chris Mark said.

A fine arts graduate of Philippine Women's University, Cabardo worked as a graphic artist and events coordinator at several advertising companies.

Cabardo was also a tattoo artist and was on his way to Bontoc with tattoo business owner Marcial Baranda Jr. and other artists. Their group was supposed to give lectures to tribal tattoo artists about safe tattoo practices. Baranda also died in the crash.

Cabardo was set to get married this year to his girlfriend of seven years. – Elizabeth Marcelo/ KBK/HS/JDS, GMA News