Davao City, Philippines — The remains of four family members who tragically lost their lives in a severe highway accident in Binugao, Toril District, Davao City, on the morning of Saturday, January 4, 2025, have been returned to Barangay Tamontaka in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
According to a report from the Davao City Police Office, the victims, identified as spouses Remie and Edna Centena, along with their companions Joy Lastimoso and Sherlyn Altimo, were traveling home to Barangay Tamontaka from Davao City in an air-conditioned van when the fatal collision occurred.
The incident transpired when their van, driven by Omar Lastimoso, was struck on the side by another van coming from the opposite direction. The other vehicle reportedly veered off its lane due to excessive speed, leading to the deadly crash. Aside from the fatalities, five other passengers, including the Centena couple and Lastimoso and Altimo, were rushed to the hospital with injuries.
Local officials, led by Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Lester Sinsuat and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, ensured the immediate repatriation of the victims’ remains to their hometown. The mayor also pledged assistance to the bereaved families, providing financial aid and support during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, the Davao City police have detained the driver of the other van, identified as Khadafy Landasan Salik, a resident of Kabacan, Cotabato. Authorities are conducting further investigations into the incident to determine potential charges against Salik.
The tragic accident has left the community in mourning, with calls for stricter road safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.