Five Passengers Injured in Late-Night Modern Jeepney Overturn in Cebu City
Five passengers sustained injuries after a modern jeepney on Route 01K overturned late Thursday night, January 29, 2026, in Cebu City. The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. on Xiamen Street in Barangay Mabolo, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Details of the Injured Passengers and Immediate Response
The injured individuals, who were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, have been identified as:
- Asuncion Batomalaque, 66, from Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City
- Miguel Cuer Jr., 24, from Mantuyong, Mandaue City
- Edrillee Janelle Castillo, 27, from Lawaan, Talisay City
- Hany Love Pimentel, 23, from Panganiban, Cebu City
- Ivan Kurt Inot, 37, from Lapu-Lapu City
Witnesses at the scene quickly called for an ambulance, ensuring the injured received medical attention without delay. The passengers suffered injuries as they were thrown inside the vehicle during the sudden overturning.
Investigation Points to Driver Unfamiliarity with Route
According to the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) of the Cebu City Police Office, initial investigations based on statements from the driver and passengers reveal that the jeepney was traveling on Xiamen Street toward Parkmall in Mandaue City. When it reached a curve, the vehicle suddenly lost balance and overturned.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Baños, information officer of the Cebu City Police Office, stated that the driver, Joseph Angeles Mondido, 29, from Sibonga, Cebu Province, was likely unfamiliar with the area. He reportedly had recently started driving the vehicle and was unable to anticipate the curve, which contributed to the overturning.
Ongoing Probe and Safety Advisory from Authorities
The TEU and Mabolo Police Station are continuing their investigation to determine if another modern jeepney may have collided with the vehicle, potentially contributing to the accident. This thorough review aims to uncover all factors involved in this distressing event.
In response, Cebu City police have issued a strong advisory to public utility jeepney drivers, urging them to exercise extreme caution while driving. They emphasized that drivers are responsible for the lives of their passengers and should prioritize vehicle maintenance and route familiarity.
Los Baños advised, "Labing maayo nga i-check daan nila ang ilang brakes, hangin sa ligid, makina ug uban pa aron safety ang inyung pasahero ug malikay sa disgrasya" (It is best to check your brakes, tire pressure, engine, and other parts in advance to ensure passenger safety and avoid accidents).
Second Such Incident in Cebu City This Period
This accident marks the second involving an overturned public utility vehicle in Cebu City recently. An earlier incident saw a traditional jeepney on Route 04H overturn on Veterans Drive in Nivel Hills, Barangay Lahug, after losing its brakes. These consecutive events highlight ongoing concerns about road safety and vehicle maintenance in the region.
Authorities are reinforcing the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
