Two separate road tragedies struck Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro over the past week.
During the Boss Ironman Motorcycle Challenge Mindanao Cup over the weekend, one rider died and three others were injured in separate incidents.
The endurance ride started Saturday evening in General Santos City, passed through Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro City, before returning to General Santos.
The fatality was 45-year-old Ronhums Tomuhan of Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, who collided with a tricycle in Kibawi, Bukidnon, and was pronounced dead on arrival.
Two other riders were involved in minor crashes — one with a bus in Picong, Lanao del Sur, and another with a tricycle in Datu Sansuat, Maguindanao.
Popular motovlogger Clyd Buhisan, known as ClydVlog, also had a minor collision with a Toyota Innova in Laguindingan Highway but was unharmed.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 10 is consolidating reports and reminded riders that noisy mufflers are prohibited under Joint Administrative Order 24-001, with violators facing a ₱P5,000 fine.
The provincial government of Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City are considering banning highway motorcycle races following these accidents.
Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque said he is directing the Provincial Legal Office and Legislative Board to study possible regulations and pledged to issue an executive order prohibiting races.
Lantapan town has also drafted a local ban.
In Cagayan de Oro, city councilor Eric Salcedo said stricter rules — or a full ban — are under consideration.
The LTO will summon BOSS organizers over alleged traffic violations. The Ironman Challenge covers 1,200 kilometers in 24 hours and tests riders’ stamina, discipline and adherence to road rules.
Separately, a PNP Special Action Force trooper was killed in a head-on collision with an Isuzu trooper vehicle along the national highway in Barangay Gusa, Cagayan de Oro, shortly before dawn Tuesday.
The SAF trooper was on his way to the Regional Police Battalion in Lapasan around 3 a.m., while the Isuzu driver, reportedly returning home from a birthday party, swerved into the opposite lane, causing the collision.
The trooper died at the scene. The van driver is detained at Agora Police Station and may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.