Six Otso Diretso volunteers die in Baguio road mishap

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — Six volunteers for the campaign of senatorial candidates under the Otso Diretso slate died in a road accident while campaigning in Baguio City.

According to a statement from Otso Diretso, the accident involving a vehicle carrying the volunteers occurred in Suello Village on Tuesday.

The victims were identified as Julia Labi, Adelina Agsaoay, Elizabeth Panis, Richelda Abigar, Josephine Ag-a, at John Roy Passi.

The statement did not provide other details regarding the accident.

Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc, who is among the eight-man slate, offered condolences to the families of the victims on behalf of her fellow opposition bets.

"We were devastated kasi the lifeblood of the Otso Diretso are the volunteers. Part of us bled. Nag-pray kami," she told reporters in an ambush interview here on Thursday.

"On behalf of Otso Diretso, and all the 60,000 volunteers worldwide, kami po ay nakikiramay.... Kami ay nagpapasalamat at nakikiramay sa mga taga-Baguio, especially sa volunteers ng Otso," she added.

In a Facebook post, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay also condoled with the victim's loved ones.

"Malalim na pakikiramay sa pamilya ng ating mga Otso Diretso volunteers. Kasama ako sa inyong dalamhati at kalungkutan," he said.

"Mula sa akin, sa aking pamilya, at sa buong campaign team, maraming salamat sa ibinuhos niyong oras, lakas, at buhay para sa kampanya." —KBK, GMA News