Senior Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, Bataan police director, said Lt. Senior Grade Arlene Dela Cruz of the Philippine Navy was declared dead on arrival at the Arsenal Hospital of the Department of National Defense in Lamao, Limay, Bataan.
She was topnotcher of PMA Class ’99 and only two of the summa cum laude graduates so far of the government school in Baguio City.
Dela Cruz was tactical officer/instructor of the maritime academy located in Alas-Asin, Mariveles
Reports showed that she was alone driving her Toyota Corolla car bound for Balanga City from the maritime school at about 8:30 in the evening when the accident happened. The car was totally wrecked after hitting and ramming the rear portion of the 10-wheeler truck that bore some damages.
It was not clear whether the big truck was parked or stopped at the center of the superhighway when the car hit it. The car reportedly smashed inside the rear side of the truck.
Charges are being readied against truck driver Fernando Balmocena of Baliwag, Bulacan.
MAAP officials who inspected the ill-fated car said the remains of Dela Cruz were brought to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.