Tragedy in Negros Oriental: Nine government workers slain in ravine plunge

• Nine employees of the Bayawan City Department of Agriculture died after their dump truck fell into a ravine in Barangay Kalamtukan
• The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon while the personnel were reportedly traveling to a field assignment in Sitio Urang
• Local authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, focusing on possible mechanical failure or difficult road conditions
• Bayawan City officials have pledged full support and financial assistance to the families of the victims during this time of mourning

In a devastating road tragedy that has shaken the local agricultural community, nine employees of the Bayawan City Department of Agriculture (DA) lost their lives on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, after their service vehicle plunged into a steep ravine in Negros Oriental.

The incident occurred in the remote area of Sitio Urang, Barangay Kalamtukan, as the team was reportedly heading to a field assignment.

The victims were traveling aboard a heavy-duty dump truck, a common transport for field personnel in the region’s rugged terrain.

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Preliminary reports indicate that as the vehicle navigated a treacherous stretch of road in Sitio Urang, the driver lost control, causing the massive truck to veer off the edge and tumble down a deep embankment.

Emergency responders and local residents rushed to the site, but the severity of the impact proved fatal for all nine personnel on board.

The steep and difficult terrain of Barangay Kalamtukan complicated the retrieval operations, which lasted several hours as authorities worked to secure the area and recover the remains of the fallen public servants.

While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the Bayawan City Police Station is looking into several factors, including potential mechanical failure and the challenging road conditions often exacerbated by the area’s topography.

Investigators are currently examining the vehicle’s maintenance records to determine if a brake malfunction or steering issue contributed to the tragedy.

The loss of nine dedicated employees is a significant blow to the city’s agricultural sector. These individuals were known for their commitment to supporting local farmers and implementing food security programs in the uplands.

City officials have expressed their profound grief, describing the event as one of the darkest days for the local government unit.

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As news of the accident spread, flags at the Bayawan City Hall were flown at half-mast. The city government has vowed to provide full assistance to the bereaved families, covering funeral expenses and immediate financial support.

Local leaders are also calling for a comprehensive safety review of government-owned heavy vehicles used for transporting personnel to ensure such a catastrophe never happens again.

In other news, a police officer lost his life in Malolos after a meeting with an informant on his birthday was captured by nearby security cameras. Investigators are pursuing the theory that the attack was a targeted retaliation stemming from the officer’s active involvement in high-stakes narcotics operations. Four individuals have been detained for their alleged role in hiding the victim's remains, including a serving police corporal now facing serious charges. A significant bounty of 1 million pesos has been authorized for any credible information leading to the capture of the remaining suspects involved in the conspiracy.

Still in other news, the 2026 motorcycle endurance run through Mindanao ended in tragedy, with one participant confirmed dead and over a dozen individuals sustaining serious injuries. Among those hospitalized are several underage spectators who were reportedly struck by speeding riders during the multi-region event. The Land Transportation Office has launched a formal inquiry into the organizers after widespread reports of reckless driving and total disregard for regional traffic laws. While the route spanned over 1,200 kilometers, the most severe crash was documented in Kibawe, Bukidnon, sparking a national conversation on public road safety.

Source: KAMI.com.gh