Bystanders check the vehicle that Dr. Annie Irene Rufo was driving when it met an accident in Argao town, southern Cebu early Monday morning, September 4, 2023. | Contributed Photo via Paul Lauro
CEBU CITY, Philippines -(UPDATED 11:10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 5) A road accident in Argao town, southern Cebu claimed the life of a doctor on Monday, September 4, 2023.
Authorities from Argao confirmed that Dr. Annie Irene Rufo, a community dentist, died shortly after the sports utility vehicle (SUV) she was driving rammed into the rear end of a truck parked along the highway in Brgy. Bulasa.
Dr. Rufo was a dentist of the Department of Health (DOH) deployed in Boljoon town, investigators from the Argao Police Station said. Boljoon is a town around 50 kilometers south of Argao.
READ: Doctor who died in Argao accident was a community dentist assigned in Boljoon
The tragedy occurred around 5 a.m. on Monday. Due to the impact of the collision, the SUV sustained significant damages. Photos show that majority of the vehicle ended up underneath the rear end of the parked truck.
Rescuers managed to extract the doctor from her vehicle, however, she was declared dead at the accident site.
Initial investigations from the police also showed that the truck had been parked at the side of the highway. Police also said they are investigating the cause of the accident.
‘Doc Annie’ a dedicated public servant
DOH-7 said Cebu not only lost a healthcare professional but also a dedicated public servant whose mission was to help the underprivileged with their oral health needs.
READ: Doc Annie: ‘A true spirit of service and commitment’
“Her skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the dental profession leaves an indelible void in the realm of public service,” said DOH-7 director Dr. Jaime Bernadas.
Her fellow dentists from the Dentists Deployment Project in Central Visayas also paid tribute to her legacy.
“Your work has made a difference in the lives of many and may your legacy inspire others to continue the mission and principles of the Department of Health- Dentists Deployment Program towards a Healthy Pilipinas,” they said.
Argao, where the accident happened, is a first-class municipality located approximately 70 kilometers south of Cebu City.
/bmjo
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