Veteran Police Officer Dies in Naga Highway Collision After Bus Counterflow Incident
A veteran police officer, who was scheduled to retire this year, tragically lost his life in a fatal road accident involving a counterflowing bus in Naga City, Cebu. The incident occurred on the national highway in Barangay Inoburan at approximately 7:45 AM on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The victim has been identified as Police Executive Master Sergeant Antonio Sando, a 55-year-old member of the Traffic Patrol Group and a resident of Carcar City. According to initial investigations conducted by the Naga City Police Station, the Ceres Bus, with plate number GXV 290 and driven by Junrel Villamor Cavalida, a 43-year-old from Barangay Bato in Samboan town, was traveling towards Cebu City. Meanwhile, Sando was heading south on his patrol motorcycle.
The sequence of events leading to the collision began when a Mitsubishi Mirage, traveling in the inner lane, suddenly stopped. This abrupt halt forced a Honda City and a Toyota Innova following behind to brake sharply, resulting in a minor collision between the two vehicles. In an attempt to avoid the pile-up, the Ceres bus quickly swerved into the opposite lane. However, this maneuver led to the bus striking Sando's Kawasaki patrol motorcycle and another Yamaha Aerox motorcycle.
Severe Impact and Immediate Aftermath
The impact of the crash was so forceful that the motorcycle became lodged under the hood of the bus. Sando sustained severe head and body injuries from the collision. Emergency responders rushed him to South General Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Ian Klint Nallano.
Following the incident, the driver of the Ceres bus, Junrel Villamor Cavalida, was taken into custody by the Naga City Police Station. He is now facing charges of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide and Damage to Property. This case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and reckless driving practices on Philippine highways.
Community and Legal Implications
The death of Police Executive Master Sergeant Antonio Sando, a seasoned officer nearing retirement, has sent shockwaves through the local community and law enforcement circles. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic rules to prevent such tragedies. The investigation continues as officials work to determine if additional factors contributed to this devastating accident.
