CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A routine security escort turned tragic Friday afternoon when a police patrol vehicle skidded off a mountain road and plunged into a ravine in Barangay Batangan, Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental.

Four policewomen and a provincial tourism officer were killed in the crash. Five others were seriously injured.

Governor Henry Oaminal said the group was part of a security convoy for Miss Universe Philippines activities in the province. They were on board a marked patrol car, providing route and area security, when the vehicle lost control along a narrow downhill stretch of road.

The fatalities were members of the Provincial Mobile Force Company — PSSg Vilcon Tuyan Macabugto, Pat. Neljie Arsula Marban, Pat. Rudilyn Ruiz Pacut, and Pat. Louel Geraga Cordova — along with provincial tourism officer Christine Fortich, who was coordinating the pageant visit.

Rescuers, with help from local residents, climbed down the ravine and used ropes and improvised stretchers to retrieve the victims. The injured — three police officers and two tourism workers — were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Initial reports indicate the patrol car may have developed mechanical trouble while negotiating a curve. The driver reportedly lost control, the vehicle broke through a roadside barrier, and fell several meters into the ravine. Some passengers were thrown from the vehicle, while others were trapped inside the wreckage and had to be freed using cutting tools. Authorities are now looking into possible brake failure, the vehicle’s condition, and road conditions at the time of the crash.

Governor Oaminal extended condolences to the families and described the victims as public servants who died while carrying out their duty. He has ordered a thorough investigation and a review of security and transport protocols for future high-profile events.