Modern Jeepney Overturns in Cebu City, Leaving Five Passengers Injured
A modern public utility jeepney (MPUJ) with route 01K overturned late Thursday night, January 29, 2026, resulting in injuries to five passengers who were promptly taken to the hospital. The accident occurred at 11:20 PM on Xiamen Street in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, as the vehicle was heading towards Parkmall in Mandaue City.
Details of the Injured Passengers
The injured individuals, who were quickly transported to a medical facility, 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 immediately called for an ambulance to ensure the injured received urgent medical attention.
Police Investigation Points to Driver Error
According to an investigation by the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) of the Cebu City Police Office, based on the driver's statement, the vehicle suddenly lost balance upon reaching a curved section of the road, leading to the overturn. Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Baños, the information officer for the Cebu City Police Office, indicated that there is a high possibility the driver, Joseph Angeles Mondido, 29, from Sibonga City, was unfamiliar with the area.
It was noted that Mondido is relatively new to driving this particular vehicle. Authorities from the TEU and Mabolo Police Station are also examining whether Mondido was engaged in racing with another modern jeepney, which could have contributed to the accident.
Second Public Vehicle Overturn Incident This Month
This marks the second public utility vehicle overturn incident in the region this month. The first involved a traditional jeepney with route 04H on Veterans Drive in Nivel Hills, Barangay Lahug, which lost its brakes. In response to these recurring safety issues, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 7 issued show-cause orders to the operators of both jeepneys on Friday, January 30.
The orders mandate the operators to submit their explanations to the LTFRB office within 72 hours, highlighting ongoing concerns about public transport safety in Cebu.
