Two separate traffic accidents along major roads in Laoag City and Paoay left several individuals injured on the same day, police said.
The first incident occurred at around 11:40 a.m. along Laoag–Paoay Road near Barangay 41 Balacad. A Toyota Hilux pickup truck registered under the Armed Forces of the Philippines and driven by Meynard Tolentino Torda, 31, was traveling northbound when it collided with a Toyota Fortuner driven by Rosalinda Valion Malinay, 64.
Police said Malinay was coming from a barangay road in Suba, Paoay, and was attempting to turn left toward the highway when the front portion of the pickup struck the left side of the Fortuner.
All passengers of both vehicles sustained injuries and were transported by responding Disaster and Public Safety (DPS) paramedics to Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Both drivers were reported unharmed. The vehicles incurred undetermined damage and were brought to the Laoag City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Later that evening, at about 9:00 p.m., another traffic incident was reported along Laoag–Sarrat–Piddig Road (Rizal Street) near Barangay 53 Rieong.
Police said a Toyota Innova driven by Jermaine Tabalba Llanto, 36, was positioned on the southern portion of the road and preparing to make a U-turn when it was hit by two motorcycles traveling eastbound. The motorcycles, both Suzuki Raiders, were driven by Carlo Peralta Antonio, 23, with backrider Shaquille Peralta Tumaneng, 19, and by Joseph Dan Gamayon Ventura, 19, who was riding alone.
Initial investigation showed that the front portions of both motorcycles struck the left-side fender of the Innova, causing the riders to lose balance and crash onto the pavement.
Antonio, Tumaneng, and Ventura sustained injuries to different parts of their bodies and were taken by DPS paramedics to the same hospital for treatment. The Innova driver was not injured. All vehicles involved were also brought to the police station for proper documentation.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine possible liabilities and reiterated their reminder for motorists to exercise caution and strictly follow traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents.