Two people died in a collision between a Toyota Hi-Ace van and a motorcycle at around 3:35 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, along the national road in Barangay Pitalo, San Fernando, Cebu.
Victims Identified
The fatalities were identified as Von Castillo, 16, and his passenger Jesse Niño Eran, 18, both residents of Barangay South Poblacion, San Fernando.
Investigation Findings
According to the San Fernando Municipal Police Station, the two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions on the national highway in Barangay Pitalo. The Toyota Hi-Ace van, driven by Ian Pajena, 43, a resident of Purok Barangay Bankal, Lapu-Lapu City, was heading north, while the motorcycle was heading south.
Upon reaching Barangay Pitalo, the van reportedly overtook the vehicle in front of it and counterflowed into the opposite lane, where it collided head-on with the oncoming motorcycle carrying the two victims.
Due to the strong impact, the motorcycle driver and his passenger were thrown from the bike and fell onto the paved road. Although both victims were wearing helmets, they died instantly from severe head and body injuries. They were brought to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival by doctors.
