This unit of the GV Florida Transport Inc fell off a ravine on the morning of Feb. 7, 2014, landing at a small farm in Barangay (village)Talubin, Bontoc town in Mt. Province. The bus came from Manila. The accident killed 14 people, including 2 foreigners and comedian Arvin “Tado” Jimenez. RICHARD BALONGLONG/Inquirer Northern Luzon
If you have driven past Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, you would have noticed that its walls have been decorated with a colorful mural. One of the lead artists of that mural, David Sicam, was killed when a bus operated by G.V. Florida Transport fell off a ravine in Mountain Province. 14 people were killed in the crash, including comedian Arvin “Tado” Jimenez.
Mr. Sicam was one of the lead artists of Camp Aguinaldo’s painted walls. The artwork is vying for a Guinness record as the world’s longest mural. The four-kilometer wall of Camp Aguinaldo was a collaboration of thousands of artists and volunteers. David Sicam was one of the 30 lead artists.
“We wanted to honor David who is one of those who created the images of peace that can be found on the walls of the AFP headquarters. This is our simple way of recognizing the lasting contributions that he had rendered to our organization through our peace advocacies,” said 7th Civil Relations Group Commander Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc.
Sicam’s youngest son Amian, was on board the bus and recalled the moment that the G.V. Florida Transport bus fell into a ravine in Bonton, Mountain Province last Friday: “Father hugged me. I was saved.”
The aunt of David Sicam, Fely, recounted that according to Amian, he was hugged by his father as the bus plunged into the deep ravine. Amian sustained minor bruises while his elder son, Agong, suffered minor bone injuries. The family was journeying to Sagada to celebrate his son’s birthday.
The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board imposed a 30-day suspension on G.V. Florida Transport and another bus company, Mt. Province Cable Tours. The bus’ plate numbers had been assigned to the latter company.
On Thursday, a candle-lighting ceremony by the “peace mural family” will be held at Camp Aguinaldo as a tribute to the late artist.
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