Binay backup car falls into Banaue ravine

MANILA, Philippines – A car belonging to the convoy of Vice President Jejomar Binay fell into a ravine near Banaue, Ifugao, Friday morning, March 14, hurting 3 of the passengers.

Binay was in another vehicle and was unhurt.

The Office of the Vice President said Binay’s backup vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner, fell off the highway into a 15-meter deep ravine and landed on a creek near Banaue town proper at around 11:15 am. Three of the 4 people on board were injured and were rushed to the Good News Clinic and Hospital in Banaue.

Binay was on his way to Banaue to lead the turnover of medical equipment and wheelchairs to senior citizens when the accident occurred.

“He was in front when he saw the accident. His car stopped. The Vice President went down to check and waited for the ambulance. When the ambulance arrived, he and the rest of the convoy went straight to the venue [of the event] and proceeded to the hospital after,” Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado said in a phone interview with Rappler.

The 3 injured passengers were Binay’s photographer Roman Campita, the driver Sergeant Danilo Tamo, and Alexander Solis. Campita was set to be airlifted to Manila Friday afternoon for treatment of a shoulder injury.

Salgado denied reports that Campita was unconscious. He said the photographer will be treated at the Ospital ng Makati once he lands in Manila.

The police’s Cordillera Regional Highway Patrol Unit deployed personnel to conduct an investigation into the accident.

Binay’s media staff Hans Arao said the Vice President was en route to Nueva Vizcaya Friday afternoon to meet with local officials and residents. 

Binay will spend the night there before heading to Baguio to attend the Philippine Military Academy graduation rites on Sunday. – Rappler.com