DAVAO CITY — A 40-year-old woman who was hitching a ride died while four others were injured after a pick-up truck lost control and overturned into an open drainage along Davao-Bukidnon Road in Sitio Lower Kibalang, Barangay Marilog, on Sunday morning, November 9, 2025.
Police identified the fatality as Maria Liza Gemota, 40, a resident of Sunrise, Matina, Davao City. She was reportedly among three hitchhikers on board the ill-fated vehicle when the accident occurred.
According to an initial report from the Marilog Police Station, the Nissan Navara pick-up was driven by Shane Rey Pay-ao Lauronal, 23, of Barangay Santo Niño, Tugbok District, with passenger Junel Omamba Cedeño, 24, of Matina Crossing.
The vehicle was reportedly heading toward Bukidnon when three individuals — Gemota, Aldrin Beltran Nazareno, 40, of Bangkal, and John Rey Pitugo Lisbo, 35, of Catalunan Pequeño — hitched a ride in Suawan area, asking to be dropped off near Epol Falls in Marilog District.
However, while traversing a curved portion of the highway in Sitio Lower Kibalang, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to swerve to the opposite lane and fall into an open canal before flipping over.
All passengers sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals. Gemota was declared dead on arrival at Kibalang District Hospital, while the driver and the rest of the passengers were treated at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and San Pedro Hospital.
Authorities are conducting further investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, including possible overspeeding or slippery road conditions due to weather.
Police reminded motorists to observe speed limits and road safety protocols, especially along the winding and steep roads of Marilog District, which have been prone to accidents in recent years.