De Lima mourns 'Otso Diretso' volunteers killed in road crash

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has extended her deep sympathies to the families of six volunteers who were killed in a road accident en route to campaign for the candidates from the united opposition slate "Otso Diretso" in Baguio City last April 23.

De Lima said while she was saddened by the news, she appreciated the fact that these six local volunteers unselfishly spent their time and effort to campaign for candidates and put the best interest of the country and Filipinos in their minds.

"Ikinalulungkot ko po ang nangyaring aksidente sa Baguio City na ikinamatay ng ilan sa ating volunteers na tumutulong sa kampanya ng Otso Diretso. Nakikiramay po ako sa kanilang pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay, at umaasa sa agarang paggaling ng mga nasugatan nating kasamahan," she said in a statement.

"Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa kanilang ibinuhos na panahon at dedikasyon sa kampanya upang isulong ang ating kolektibong adhikain para sa ating bayan," she added.

In a Facebook post, Otso Diretso confirmed that the vehicle carrying its volunteers figured in a fatal road crash in Suello Village, Baguio City that led to the deaths of six individuals last April 23.

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

"Kahapon, sa Suello Village, Baguio City, isang sasakyang puno ng Otso Diretso volunteers ang naaksidente. Anim sa ating mga kapwa-volunteer ang pumanaw sa trahedya. Nakikiramay ang buong Otso Diretso community," the post read.

Aside from offering prayers for the victims, De Lima urged the Filipinos to pray for the Philippines as they continue to fight for the truth and democracy which the current administration continues to undermine.

"Ituloy po natin ang laban at pagdarasal para sa bawat isa, gayundin para sa ating bansa, upang makamit ang inaasam nating pananaig ng katotohanan, katarungan at demokrasya," said De Lima.

Like the six Otso Diretso volunteers, De Lima has consistently shown her support for Otso Diretso's senatorial line-up, namely, Sen. Bam Aquino, Rep. Gary Alejano, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, civic leader Sam Gutoc, former solicitor general Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romy Macalintal, former senator Mar Roxas and ex-Rep. Erin Tanada.