At least six people were killed, and several others were wounded in a road accident at midday Tuesday in Barangay Paglaum, Dumalinao town, Zamboanga del Sur.
Authorities initially reported that the road crash involved a van and a motorcycle.
The ill-fated van reportedly came from Zamboanga Sibugay before it crashed upon reaching Barangay Poblacion, Dumalinao.
Bodies were seen lying on the road covered with cartons or plastic sheets.
Clearing operations are ongoing as emergency responders continue to assist victims.
Local officials have yet to release the identities of the casualties pending notification of their families.
They also have yet to release an official report on how the accident transpired.