Tragic Weekend on Cebu Roads Claims Life of Veteran Police Officer, Injures Eight in Separate Incident
A devastating weekend on the roads of Cebu has resulted in the death of a veteran police officer and injuries to eight people in two separate accidents, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the region.
Fatal Collision in Naga City Claims Officer Nearing Retirement
Executive Master Sergeant Antonio Sando, a 55-year-old member of the Traffic Police Group from Carcar City, lost his life in a tragic head-on collision on Sunday morning, February 1, 2026. The incident occurred along the National Highway in Barangay Inoburan, City of Naga, when Sando's police-issued motorcycle collided with a Ceres bus.
According to the Naga City Police investigation, the accident was triggered by a chain reaction in the opposite lane bound for Cebu City. A Mitsubishi Mirage made an abrupt stop, causing a Toyota Innova and two motorcycles to crash into its rear. In an attempt to avoid this pileup, the bus driver, 43-year-old Junrel Villamor Cavalida from Bato, Samboan, swerved into the opposite lane, directly into the path of Sando's motorcycle.
The impact was severe, wedging the motorcycle into the right side of the bus's hood. Sando sustained critical head and body injuries and was rushed to South General Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Cavalida is currently detained at the Naga City Police Station and faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property.
Separate Accident in Minglanilla Injures Eight During Fiesta Celebration
Just hours before the fatal crash in Naga, a separate incident occurred in the neighboring town of Minglanilla on Saturday evening, January 31. Shortly after 11 p.m., eight people were struck by a multicab in Barangay Candulawan while celebrating a local fiesta.
The Minglanilla Police Station investigation revealed that the vehicle, driven by a barangay captain, was heading toward the National Highway when its brakes reportedly failed on a downhill portion of the road. The driver lost control and plowed into the victims who were gathered on the roadside for the festivities.
Police brought the barangay captain to the station to meet with the victims' families, and the official has pledged to cover all medical expenses for the injured. Authorities report that the victims are now in stable condition as all parties work to resolve the incident.
These back-to-back accidents underscore the critical need for enhanced road safety measures and vehicle maintenance protocols, particularly during peak travel times and community celebrations. The loss of a dedicated police officer nearing retirement adds a profound layer of tragedy to an already distressing weekend on Cebu's roads.
