Man accused of killing four Filipinos in Canada freed on bail

A man accused of killing four Filipino migrant workers and injuring another in Canada when he drove on the wrong side of the road while possibly drunk was granted bail by a Red Deer court, according to the Edmonton Journal.

The judge released 30-year-old Tyler James Stevens on $20,000 cash bail earlier this week on condition he must abstain from alcohol intake and follow a curfew, the journal reports.

Police have charged Stevens with 14 criminal counts, which include impaired driving causing death, failing to provide breath sample and criminal negligence in operation of a motor vehicle causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm and criminal negligence in operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.

According to police, Stevens was driving his Range Rover on the wrong side of the road on March 4, when he crashed head-on with a van carrying the five Filipino migrant workers.

Two 35-year-old men identified as Anthony Castillon and Joey Mangonon; 52-year-old Josefina Velarde and 39-year-old Eden Dalu Biazon died at the scene.

The fifth occupant, 28-year-old Josephine Gaila Tamondong, was brough to a local hospital in critical condition and later underwent emergency surgery. She is now in stable condition. Stevens suffered minor injuries.

Three of the fatalities and the injured woman worked in housekeeping at the Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, the Edmonton Journal reported.

An off-duty Royal Canadien Mounted Police officer, who witnessed the crash, tried to stop the Range Rover before the accident, according to reports.

Stevens is expected to make his next court appearance May 14, said the Edmonton Journal. Joseph Pimentel/AJPress