Funds raised for families of 3 DA Kadiwa workers

The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera is facilitating the raising of funds to help the families of three Kadiwa personnel who died in a vehicular accident in Ramon, Isabela on Dec. 8.
DA-Cordillera Information Officer Aida Pagtan said the agency is exploring ways on how to help the bereaved families of the victims  namely Addison Kyle La-ao, a  staff of the DA-CAR  Agribusiness and Marketing Division (AMAD) from Puguis in La Trinidad; Tommy Timoteo, the driver from Dalupirip, Itogon Benguet; and Karen Briones, a farmer-partner of  Barangay Loacan Organic Farmers Association in Loacan, Itogon.
The victims figured in a freak accident while en route to Baguio City after coming from a Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita market fair in Santa Marcela, Apayao.
The agency assisted the family in initially raising funds for the hospital bills of the victims. Various individuals and groups extended their help to the victims through the agency.
“Both long and short-term assistance to the families of the deceased shall be further explored by the concerned units and divisions,” the minutes of the meeting stated.
These assistance to the families includes scholarships, employment, cash solicitation, livelihood sources, provision of farm inputs or machinery, grocery items, among others.
Initial investigation of the Ramon Municipal Police Station in Isabela said the victims were traveling along the national highway in the middle of the night when a Toyota Vios collided with a van.
Due to the impact, the driver lost control which led to the collision with an incoming trailer truck. The driver of the Toyota Vios, which was alleged to be under the influence of alcohol, escaped but was later arrested in a hot pursuit operation.
La-ao and Briones died while undergoing treatment at the hospital while Timoteo died early morning of Dec. 9.
Pagtan said the family of the 34-year old suspect also reached out to the DA-Cordillera on how to help the families of the victims.
The Ramon Municipal Police Station has filed a case of double homicide, serious physical injuries and damage to property against the suspect.
The DA-Cordillera will also file a separate case against the suspect. – Ofelia C. Empian