In a devastating incident that has shocked the local community, two women lost their lives after their motorcycle was run over by a prime mover in a hit-and-run accident along the national highway in Barangay Panalipan, located in the northern town of Catmon, Cebu. The tragic event occurred on the night of Saturday, February 21, 2026, leaving families and authorities in mourning.
Victims Identified as Residents of Mandaue City
Police have officially identified the victims as Jerly Colongon Cagoyong, aged 33, who was driving the motorcycle, and her passenger, Jenifer Luza Damonsong, aged 50. Both women were residents of Barangay Banilad in Mandaue City, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this accident beyond Catmon's borders.
Details of the Accident Revealed by Catmon Police
Initial investigations conducted by the Catmon Municipal Police Station (CMPS) have shed light on the sequence of events leading to the fatal collision. According to reports, Cagoyong was driving toward the town of Carmen when she attempted to overtake a prime mover operated by Mark Absalon, a resident of Sagay City, Negros Occidental.
During the overtaking maneuver, Cagoyong reportedly encountered an oncoming vehicle, forcing her to quickly return to her lane to avoid a head-on collision. However, in a tragic turn of events, the prime mover caught the motorcycle and ran over both victims, resulting in immediate and severe injuries.
Emergency Response and Fatal Outcome
Following the accident, the victims were urgently rushed to the Sogod District Hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, both Cagoyong and Damonsong were declared dead on arrival, underscoring the severity of the impact and the urgent need for road safety measures.
Hit-and-Run Leads to Police Interception
Authorities reported that after the collision, the prime mover driver, Mark Absalon, failed to stop at the scene and continued driving, classifying the incident as a hit-and-run. This prompted an immediate intercepting operation by the CMPS to apprehend the fleeing vehicle.
In a coordinated effort, police from Carmen intercepted the prime mover at a checkpoint, successfully halting its progress. Absalon was subsequently turned over to the Catmon police for further investigation and processing.
Legal Consequences for the Driver
Mark Absalon is currently in police custody and faces serious legal charges. He has been charged with reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide, a grave offense that reflects the negligence alleged in this tragic case. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of irresponsible driving on public roads.
This accident has sparked discussions about road safety and enforcement in the region, with local authorities emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to traffic laws to prevent such fatalities in the future.
