KIDAPAWAN CITY – Barangay Paco Captain Edgarlito Elardo was killed after being hit by a reportedly fast-running motorcycle driven by Antonio Failagao, 35, a resident of Maramag, Bukidnon, who was part of a group of about 30 Sniper Riders passing through the Paco National Highway near Paco Elementary School on Sunday afternoon, September 14, 2025.
Elardo was crossing the road past 4:00 p.m. on his way home when the speeding motorcycle struck him. The strong impact threw the barangay official to the ground, causing a fractured leg and severe head injuries.
Witnesses said the group of riders, who were coming from General Santos City and heading back to Bukidnon, were running at high speed when the incident happened. Failagao sustained head injuries, while his back rider escaped unharmed.
Elardo was rushed to a private hospital in Kidapawan City, but despite efforts to save him, he died inside the ambulance around 6:00 p.m. His sudden death triggered wails of grief outside the hospital, with his family demanding justice.
The loss of Captain Elardo shocked the community of Barangay Paco, where he was known as a hands-on and approachable leader. Authorities are investigating the accident, particularly the reported reckless speed of the motorcycle group.