TANTANGAN, South Cotabato (October 24, 2025) — Two criminology graduates were killed while six others — including three young Batang Pinoy athletes, two teachers, and a doctor — were injured in a tragic three-vehicle collision along the national highway in Barangay Magon, Tantangan, South Cotabato on Friday morning.
According to the Tantangan Municipal Police Station, the crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. and involved a Suzuki Swift car, a Yamaha NMAX motorcycle, and a Toyota Rush multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
Sequence of Events
Initial investigation revealed that the Suzuki Swift, driven by a 46-year-old DepEd teacher from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, reportedly lost control of the steering wheel and veered into the opposite lane. The car first struck a Yamaha NMAX motorcycle driven by a 23-year-old criminology graduate from Tacurong City, who had another criminology graduate as backrider. The vehicle then collided with a Toyota Rush driven by a doctor from Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.
The two motorcycle riders sustained severe head and body injuries and were declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.
Meanwhile, the Suzuki Swift carried three Batang Pinoy athletes and two teacher-coaches who were traveling to compete in the National Batang Pinoy Games organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). All five sustained minor injuries and are now in stable condition. The doctor driving the Toyota Rush was also injured and is recovering in a Tacurong City hospital.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are still determining the exact cause of the collision. Preliminary findings suggest that loss of control and possible overspeeding led to the crash. Investigators are also checking whether road conditions or mechanical failure played a role.
Communities in Mourning
The deaths of the two criminology graduates — both described as hardworking and ambitious young men — have saddened their families and peers who were anticipating their entry into law enforcement. The teachers and athletes, who survived the ordeal, are still recovering from shock and injuries.
The group was en route to represent their province in the National Batang Pinoy Games, a grassroots sports program that develops the country’s future athletes.
A Call for Road Discipline
The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and local authorities have once again called on motorists to observe strict road safety following the deadly crash. They urge the public to:
- Avoid overspeeding and risky overtaking;
- Keep vehicles well-maintained;
- Refrain from driving when drowsy, tired, or intoxicated; and
- Always wear helmets or seatbelts.
The Tantangan tragedy underscores a painful truth — one moment of recklessness can take away years of promise. The loss of two young graduates, alongside the injuries of athletes, educators, and a doctor, serves as a stark reminder that road safety is not just a rule — it is a shared responsibility that saves lives.
As South Cotabato mourns, authorities hope this heartbreaking incident inspires greater awareness, discipline, and accountability among motorists across the country.