A BUS inspector and a conductor were hailed as heroes after losing their lives in a bid to save the passengers of a Ceres bus that plunged off a cliff in Hamtic, Antique last December 5.
Bus inspector Jayvoni Fandagani shielded teacher Mica Marie Servano while bus conductor Wilmar Marcelino protected another passenger and child when the bus fell off a 30-meter ravine in Barangay Igbucagay.
“Mica only had several contusions because she was covered by Ceres bus inspector Jayvon Fandagani, who unluckily lost his life. May the soul of Jayvon rest in peace,” said Antiqueño environmentalist Bong Sanchez in a viral post.
Marcelino was a conductor for Vallacar Transit, operator of Ceres buses, for 10 years. He is from San Joaquin, Iloilo and is survived by his wife and two young children.
“Despite the unfortunate outcome, Marcelino bravely saved an Antiqueña passenger and another child during the incident, shielding them. Regrettably, he didn’t survive, but the pregnant passenger did,” said businessman Flord Nicson Calawag, Marcelino’s townmate in Tibiao, Antique.
The death toll in the tragedy rose to 18 as of December 7.
Vallacar Transit had established Help Desk centers to assist the families of the 18 fatalities and 11 wounded passengers.
“The injured passengers are currently admitted to Iloilo Western Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, and Angel Salazar Medical Hospital in San Jose, Antique. The 11 admitted patients are now in stable condition,” said Jade Ceballos, media relations officer of Ceres Bus.
Ceres employees have been deployed to assist in the release of medical needs and extension of financial support to the families of the victims, according to Ceballos.
The employees are also reaching out to the families of the deceased who have not yet availed of the assistance.
