Two foreign nationals were injured after a bus attempting to overtake collided with their motorcycle on the national highway in Barangay Canlumacad, Santander town, on Saturday evening, May 2, 2026.
Victims Identified
The police identified the victims as Martin Michlmayr, 46, an Austrian national, and Lilian Walthera Were, 38, an African national. Both are currently residing in Barangay Canlumacad in the said municipality.
Details of the Incident
According to the investigation by the Santander Municipal Police Station, the motorcycle and the Sunrays Bus were both traveling southbound. The bus was driven by Jonathan Vallente Taactaac, 44, a resident of Barangay Caceres, Oslob town.
Upon reaching the incident site, the bus attempted to overtake the motorcycle. When it returned to its lane after signaling left, it struck the motorcycle ridden by Michlmayr.
Due to the strong impact, the victims were thrown off their motorcycle. They were immediately rushed to Oslob District Hospital for treatment of their injuries and body abrasions.
Legal Action
Currently, the bus driver Taactaac is in the custody of the Santander Police. A case of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries and damage to property is being prepared against him.
