STO. NIÑO, South Cotabato — A 27-year-old soldier died while his companion sustained injuries after their motorcycle collided with a carabao that suddenly crossed the national highway in Barangay Manuel Roxas, Sto. Niño, early Thursday, October 16.
Police investigators from the Sto. Niño Municipal Police Station reported that the victims were riding a Honda Wave motorcycle traveling from Barangay Panay toward Barangay Poblacion when a female carabao unexpectedly wandered into the middle of the road in Purok Crossing Roxas.
The driver, identified only as alias “Denice,” a member of the Philippine Army and resident of Barangay Poblacion, sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead while receiving medical treatment. His back rider, alias “John,” 28, a mechanic and fellow resident of Poblacion, was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Responding personnel from the Sto. Niño Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Sto. Niño police immediately brought the victims to a hospital. The carabao, which was struck by the motorcycle, reportedly suffered broken bones and was moved to the roadside by barangay officials and police.
Authorities have placed the motorcycle under the custody of the Sto. Niño Police Station for proper disposition while investigation continues to determine the owner of the carabao and possible liabilities.
Reminder to the Public
Authorities issued a strong reminder to animal owners to ensure their livestock are properly secured and not allowed to roam freely near public roads, especially highways, to prevent similar tragic accidents.
Likewise, motorists are urged to exercise extra caution when driving at night or in poorly lit areas, as stray animals remain a persistent hazard in rural roads across the province.
Accidents involving farm animals not only endanger human lives but also highlight the need for responsible animal ownership and road safety awareness among both drivers and residents.