A van killed two women on board a motorcycle in Barangay Tubigan, Zarraga town, Province of Iloilo.

Prior to the incident, the van slammed into a house in Iloilo City but sped away.

The incident happened evening on January 19, 2025.

The victims were identified to be Mary Grace Mandate, the driver, and Mara Cordova, the person riding in pillion.

According to police investigation, the women were headed for Iloilo City from Dumangas Port, while the van was bound for Dumangas town.

However, the van swerved to the lane occupied by the motorcycle and collided head-on.

The motorcycle was in total wreck due to the impact.

The two victims sustained fatal wounds on the head and other parts of the body.

“May witnesses tayong mga bata. According to them, mabilis ang takbo ng van at siya ang umagaw sa linya ng motor,” Police Lieutenant Renel Lauron, deputy chief of Zarraga Municipal Police Station, said.

The driver was identified as 53-year-old Jerry Gonzales.

At the detention facility, Gonzales denied vehemently that he was driving speedily and under the influence of liquor. However, Gonzales covered his face and refused to face the camera.

Prior to the incident, Gonzales slammed into a house in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro District in Iloilo City.

Based on a video recorded by the owner of the house, the driver sped away after he rammed into a post and the window of the house.

Liezel Turba, houseowner, said that a loud thud surprised her. 

The van destroyed the house window made of glass.

It was fortunate, she said, that her husband who was at the sala at that time, was unscathed.

“Sumigaw ako ng ‘Diyos ko, Diyos ko! Ang van pumasok dito, hindi tumigil.’ Tatlong beses pang nag-atras-abante upang makababa at makatakas,” Turba narrated.

The Turba family has mulled on collecting around P80,000 from the driver for the damages.

The driver is set to face charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property.