Three siblings died after the tricycle they were riding with their family collided with a motorcycle on the Cabanatuan-Fort Magsaysay Road in Barangay Mapalad, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija.

The fatalities were two, six, and 10 years old.

Their 45-year-old father sustained severe head injuries and is in critical condition at the hospital, as of this writing. Their mother and three-year-old sibling survived.

The family was returning home to Cabanatuan City from a a 40-day memorial for a relative.

Edgar Mier, a barangay watchman, said some of those involved appeared to have consumed alcohol.

“Based on my observation, sir, para bang nandun parang may amoy siya... dalawa sila [na] medyo may naamoy akong alak, sir,” Mier said.

Jovan Mark Tumbaga, the driver of the motorcycle, was also injured and is in police custody.

He admitted to drinking alcohol before the crash and expressed remorse.

Tumbaga said the tricycle was entering his lane.

“Ngayon po, yung tricycle kinukuha niya po ... yung line ko. [Kaya] ang ginawa ko naman po, gumawi rin ako sa line niya pero nag-abot po kami,” he said.

“Sana po mapatawad nila ako sa nangyari. Hindi ko naman din po kagustuhan, sana po ay magkaayos po kami ng mabuti,” he added.

The family is appealing for help to save the father’s life and cover the burial expenses for the three children.

“Kung maaari sana, humihingi kami ng tulong na konting bagay lang para meron kaming gastos, lalo na pag-opera ng ulo ng anak ko,” Maximo Santillana, the children's grandfather, said.

The motorcycle driver may face charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and serious physical injuries.