A tragic road accident along the Davao City Coastal Road has claimed the life of a woman, intensifying concerns over safety due to inadequate streetlighting in the area. The incident occurred around 8:08 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, when the motorcycle she was riding brushed against a white van that fled the scene, causing the motorcycle to swerve. The woman fell onto the road and was subsequently run over by a Yutong bus, resulting in severe head injuries and her death.
Councilor Raises Alarms Over Lighting Deficiencies
In response to this and other incidents, Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr. delivered a privilege speech on April 7, 2026, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, highlighting the critical safety risks posed by limited streetlights along the coastal road. He personally witnessed another accident in the Bucana portion, noting a stark contrast in lighting compared to other areas. Mahipus emphasized that proper lighting and planning must be prioritized for major thoroughfares like this one.
Challenges in Installation and Theft Issues
The councilor detailed several obstacles hindering adequate lighting. In the Aplaya portion, Davao Light was unable to install underground cabling due to unsuitable facilities. Additionally, Mahipus pointed to alleged theft of electrical wiring along the coastal road, which has contributed to incomplete installations. He explained that the road is being constructed in phases, awarded to different contractors, leading to uneven lighting across sections.
Multiple Incidents Highlight Urgent Need for Action
This is not an isolated case. Multiple accidents have been reported along the coastal road, including a pedestrian declared dead on arrival after being hit by a vehicle on January 28, another vehicular accident on January 6, and a separate incident on the same day as the woman's death along the Talomo Bridge. These events underscore the pressing need for improved safety measures.
Historical Context and Government Response
To recall, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on March 25, 2024, that inactive streetlights in some areas were due to stolen wires, a problem plaguing the project since its inception. Perpetrators typically tamper with posts and extract cables around 100 meters long, with incidents documented in police stations in Bago, Talomo, and Ecoland. Following Mahipus's speech, the City Council moved to invite officials from Davao Light and DPWH to address the issue in the next regular session.
With the safety of Dabawenyos in mind, Mahipus suggested that the local government allocate additional funding to ensure adequate lighting throughout the coastal road, aiming to prevent future tragedies and enhance driver and pedestrian security.
