Uzbek National Killed in Cebu Bus Hit-and-Run on Holy Wednesday
A tragic hit-and-run incident on Holy Wednesday, April 1, 2026, resulted in the death of a foreign national in Badian, Cebu. The victim, identified as Bakhrom Uchkunovich Khamitov, a 30-year-old Uzbek national residing in Moalboal, Cebu, was riding his Honda XRM motorcycle when he was struck by a Ceres bus along the National Highway in Barangay Malhiao, Badian, at approximately 10:35 p.m.
Details of the Accident
According to the Badian Municipal Police Station, Khamitov was traveling from Moalboal toward the Poblacion of Badian when the accident occurred. The Ceres bus, bound for Alegria and driven by Ramel Gutang Omaya, a 49-year-old resident of Santander, Cebu, collided with the motorcycle. Witnesses reported that after the initial impact, the bus ran over Khamitov, causing severe head injuries that proved fatal.
Police Pursuit and Arrest
In a swift response, the bus driver did not stop at the scene and continued driving toward Alegria. The Badian police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation, successfully intercepting and apprehending Omaya in Alegria. The victim was rushed to Badian District Hospital by personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office but was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Maria Angela Lariz Llames.
Legal Consequences
Omaya is now in police custody, and authorities are preparing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against him. This case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and accountability in traffic incidents, particularly involving public transportation vehicles. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances leading to this fatal collision.
