Bayawan City in mourning after road crash kills nine government workers, intern
BAYAWAN CITY, Philippines — Grief has settled heavily over Bayawan City after a devastating road accident claimed the lives of nine people on Wednesday morning, February 4, 2026, in a mountainous area of Barangay Kalamtukan. The victims—eight local government employees and one university intern—were aboard a city-owned mini dump truck that plunged into a deep ravine, authorities said.
Police identified the fatalities as Egmedio Arnaiz, the driver of the truck, along with Diomedes Canoy, Kervin Andog, Larry Llamos, Ronel Cabasag, Jonathan Hamor, Jovanie Babor, and Jonaryl Caguisa. All eight were personnel assigned to the Engineering Division of the Bayawan City Agriculture Office. The ninth victim was Warren Arseñas, an on-the-job trainee from Negros Oriental State University Bayawan–Sta. Catalina Campus.
According to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, the group had traveled earlier that morning to Barangay Manduao to deliver containers of crude oil and electrical equipment for use by other government vehicles operating in remote areas. The accident occurred at around 11:10 a.m. as the truck was returning to the city center.
Investigators said that while descending a steep slope in Sitio Mansintak, the vehicle reportedly overshot the narrow roadway and plunged approximately 30 to 50 meters down a cliff, eventually landing in a creek at the bottom of the ravine. The area is known for sharp turns, uneven terrain, and limited guardrails—conditions that can quickly turn deadly when vehicles lose control.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported the victims to Kalumboyan Hospital. However, all nine were declared dead on arrival due to the severity of their injuries, police said.
Initial findings suggest that the crash may have been caused by mechanical failure, possibly involving the truck’s braking system. Authorities are also looking into the possibility of human error or miscalculation while navigating the treacherous downhill stretch. The vehicle has since been recovered and is undergoing a full технический inspection as part of the ongoing investigation.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Bayawan City, where the victims were described by colleagues and residents as hardworking public servants who regularly braved difficult terrain to deliver essential services to far-flung barangays.
Bayawan City Mayor Jack Teves Raymond Jr. expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “a heartbreaking loss for the entire Bayawan family.” In a statement, the mayor ordered the immediate postponement of major city events as a sign of respect and mourning. The opening salvo of the Tawo-tawo Festival 2026 and the Miss Bayawan 2026 presentation night, originally scheduled for the weekend, were moved to February 9.
“These men gave their lives in the line of duty,” the mayor said. “Our priority now is to honor their service and to stand with their families in this time of grief.”
On Thursday, a memorial mass was held at the Villareal Gym, drawing city officials, co-workers, family members, and residents who came together to pay tribute to the fallen workers and the young intern. Candles, flowers, and quiet prayers filled the venue as the community mourned collectively.
The Bayawan City government has pledged full financial assistance and support to the bereaved families, including funeral aid and other forms of assistance. Officials emphasized the spirit of “Bayawanihan”—a local expression of unity and shared responsibility—as the city grapples with one of the darkest chapters in its recent history.
As investigations continue, local authorities reiterated calls for stricter safety checks on government vehicles and renewed assessments of hazardous road sections, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future. For now, Bayawan City pauses in mourning, honoring lives lost in service to the community.
— @KRNews