Government-Owned Dump Truck Plunges into Ravine, Killing Nine in Bayawan City
A devastating accident occurred in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday afternoon, February 4, 2026, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine individuals. The incident involved a dump truck owned by the Bayawan City Government, which fell into a deep ravine in Sitio Mansintak, Barangay Kalamtukan.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 12:35 PM when the dump truck was navigating a curved section of the road. According to initial investigations by the Bayawan City Police Station, the vehicle's brakes reportedly failed to engage. Due to its heavy load and momentum, the truck careened off the road, rolling down a steep 50-meter ravine before coming to rest in a river below.
The impact was so severe that some passengers were ejected from the vehicle during the descent, while others were trapped and crushed beneath the rolling truck. All nine occupants perished at the scene.
Victims Identified as Government Workers and Student
The fatalities have been identified as Egmedio Arnaiz (the driver), Warren Aseñas, Diomedes Canoy, Kervin Andog, Larry Llamos, Ronel Cabasag, Jonathan Hamor, Jovanie Babor, and Jonaryl Caguisa. Eight of the victims were employees of the Bayawan City Agriculture Department, while one was an intern student from Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) studying agriculture.
Police Captain Stephen Jaynard Polinar, information officer of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), revealed that the victims had just delivered five barrels of fuel to Barangay Mandu-ao. This fuel was intended as supply for tractors used in agricultural activities in the barangay. The accident occurred as they were returning from this delivery mission.
Community and Government Response
The local government of Bayawan City has extended condolences and is coordinating with the families of the victims to provide necessary assistance. This tragic event has deeply affected the community, particularly the agriculture sector which lost experienced personnel.
The incident highlights concerns about vehicle safety and maintenance for government-owned equipment used in rural operations. Authorities continue to investigate the exact mechanical failure that led to the brake malfunction on the mountainous terrain.
