Three Philippine Marines and a civilian were killed while six others were injured after a military truck fell into a deep ravine yesterday morning.

Col. Edgard A. Arevalo, Philippine Navy spokesman, said the fatalities include one junior officer with the rank of First Lieutenant, two enlisted personnel, and one civilian employee.

Arevalo said the victims were heading back to their headquarters after doing what was describes as ‘marketing’ when the accident happened around 9:30 a.m.

According to reports, the M35 military truck was negotiating a zig-zag road when its driver lost control of the vehicle.

The truck reportedly encountered brake malfunction before it fell into the ravine.

“Two enlisted Marine and one civilian employee were killed on the spot, while the lone officer was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Naic,” he added.

The six other injured, all Marine troopers, were brought to the base’s Station Hospital. They were declared on stable condition.

Arevalo said Navy Chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan and the Marine Corps Commandant Maj. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo were saddened by the accident.

“We mourn the loss of three Phil Marine Corps personnel and a civilian employee who are all stationed in Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite,” said Arevalo.

“The Navy chief and the Marine Corps commandant have expressed their sincere condolences to the bereaved family. While the names are withheld until the next of kin were properly informed, they directed the immediate attention for the victims and to extend all support necessary to ensure the welfare of the personnel and/or their families,” he added.