Ceres Bus Driver Formally Charged in Fatal Naga City Collision That Killed Veteran Police Officer
The Naga City Police Station has officially filed criminal charges against the driver of a Ceres bus involved in a tragic road accident that resulted in the death of a dedicated police officer. Authorities have elevated the case of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide, Physical Injury, and Damage to Property through inquest proceedings, targeting the bus operator responsible for the fatal incident.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Legal Proceedings
The collision occurred at approximately 7:45 in the morning on Sunday, February 1, 2026, along the national highway in Barangay Inoburan, within the jurisdiction of Naga City, Cebu. The accident claimed the life of Police Executive Master Sergeant Antonio Sando, a respected member of the Traffic Patrol Group who was assigned to the office of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 chief.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Verniño Noserale, the chief of the Naga City Police Station, formal charges were filed at 11:45 in the morning on Monday, February 2, against Junrel Villamor Cavalida, a 43-year-old resident of Barangay Bato in the City of Samboan. The driver is currently being held at a temporary custodial facility while authorities complete all necessary documentation related to the case.
Police Regional Office 7 Mourns Loss of Dedicated Officer
The entire Police Regional Office 7 has expressed profound grief over the untimely death of Police Executive Master Sergeant Antonio Sando, whom colleagues described as a kind and committed public servant. Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the chief of PRO 7, extended his deepest condolences to the family, relatives, and close friends of the fallen officer.
In an official statement, General Maranan emphasized: "We mourn the loss of Police Executive Master Sergeant Antonio Sando, a committed police officer whose years of dedicated service were cut short by this tragic incident. His passing is a profound loss to the Philippine National Police and to the community he served with honor."
Three Decades of Service Cut Short Before Planned Retirement
Police Executive Master Sergeant Antonio Sando had served the Philippine National Police with distinction for 30 years at the time of the fatal accident. His law enforcement career began when he entered the PNP on February 1, 1996, and he was scheduled to retire from active duty on June 13, 2026.
Colleagues revealed that Sando had already begun preparing his retirement message, anticipating his transition from decades of public service to civilian life. The tragic collision has left the police community and the residents he protected mourning the loss of an officer who dedicated his life to maintaining peace and order in the region.
The investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the collision continues as authorities work to determine all contributing factors to the accident that ended a distinguished police career and claimed a valuable life.
