Support sought for UPLB grad in Cambodia bus accident

UPDATED 10:00 p.m. - The Philippine government is now coordinating with the Cambodian government to seek support for the Filipina tourist who lost her leg in a bus-truck collision in Cambodia on Monday.

On "Unang Balita" on GMA News TV on Friday, Pia Arcangel reported that the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating with the Cambodian government to seek support for Nina Kristine Abad, 30, a graduate of the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Abad, a senior operations manager of a call center in Makati, was on vacation in Cambodia when the bus she was riding in collided with a truck on Monday.

Marisol Abduraman on "Unang Balita" reported that the victim has not yet received any support from the Cambodian government and the bus firm.

"Wala siyang natatanggap na tulong mula sa mga kumpanya ng bus na sangkot sa banggaan. Maging ang gobyerno ng Cambodia, wala raw nagging aksyon lalo na at isa siyang turista siya sa kanilang bansa," Abduraman reported.

Those who are interested to extend financial support for Abad are asked to contact +63 908 897 4364.

Mixed emotions

Gjette Chua, one of the victim’s colleagues, said she has mixed emotions over Abad’s terrifying experience in Cambodia.

“Hindi naman siya tutulungan ng bus company, o hindi man lang siya bibigyan ng assistance ng Cambodia, kaya galit, inis, lungkot na [ang nararamdaman ko]," Chua said, also on “Unang Balita" on Friday.

“Pumunta ang tao doon para mag-enjoy. Pumunta siya doon ng dalawa ang paa, tapos uuwi nalang ng isa," Chua added.

Bus-truck collision

In an interview with GMA News, Abad recalled how the accident happened in Phnom Penh’s Peamro district at about 4:10 a.m. on Monday.

“‘Yung crash kasi happened on the right side ng bus. Unfortunately I was on the second row of the bus’ right side. When I looked down I saw both of my legs pinned down below the knees. Nakaipit siya between the seats," Abad said.

“When I saw my right leg was partially severed, I already knew then and there that I would already lose [my] leg," she added.

Abad was with other foreign tourists on board the Kampuchea Angkor Express bus when it collided with a truck filled with corn.

Five passengers sustained serious injuries while 27 others had minor injuries.

District police chief Seng Ponlok said they suspected that the accident was caused by a drowsy bus driver as the incident happened in Prey Veng province at dawn.

He said both vehicles in the accident have been taken to Peamro district police station for investigation.

“We will investigate this accident by cooperating with the bus company and we will also cooperate with them to look for the driver, who escaped after the accident," he said in a report on Phnom Penh Post..