BACOLOD CITY — The Diocese of Bacolod is in mourning following a tragic road accident on Good Friday that claimed the lives of three individuals and injured at least 20 others during a religious procession.

According to initial reports, the procession was returning to the church in Barangay Alangilan around 7 p.m. when a speeding car crashed into a tricycle, which was carrying the three victims who died in the incident.

In a heartfelt message issued on Saturday, 19 April, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon expressed the deep sorrow of the Catholic community.

“The parish stands in silence, in tears, and in the pain of these unanswerable questions — like the Blessed Mother at the foot of the Cross,” Buzon said. “This is our Good Friday. But we hold fast to the hope that this sorrow and loss will one day open the way to an Easter grace.”

The bishop called on the faithful to join in prayer for both the deceased and the injured.

“We continue to pray for those who were injured, that they may find healing and quick recovery,” he said. “We stand in solidarity with all the affected families, especially those of the deceased, offering our prayers, support, and compassion in this time of mourning.”

The driver involved in the incident, reportedly an Indian national, is currently in police custody as authorities continue their investigation.

In a separate statement, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the city government is providing immediate medical aid and burial assistance to those injured and to the families of the deceased.

“I have asked our traffic and law enforcement units to ensure that a strong case is filed and that justice is served,” the mayor said. “We also urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and to support the ongoing investigation.”

The city and the diocese now grieve together, united in prayer and seeking answers in the face of tragedy that struck during one of the holiest days of the Christian calendar.