KIDAPAWAN CITY — What was supposed to be a joyful family gathering to celebrate a grandchild’s birthday turned into a scene of grief and heartbreak after a reckless drunk-driving incident claimed the life of a dedicated community volunteer and left another man critically injured.
Sixty-one-year-old Tomas Enghog Cañete, a respected member of the Barangay Peace Action Team (BPAT), was killed after being struck by a motorcycle driven by a young man who was allegedly intoxicated and performing a dangerous “Superman” stunt along Kalasuyan Road in Kidapawan City.
According to initial reports, the suspect was driving at high speed while lying flat on his motorcycle — a reckless maneuver commonly known as “Superman riding” — when he lost control and slammed into Cañete and a Job Order employee of the local government.
Declared Dead on Arrival
Cañete was immediately rushed to the hospital following the collision but was pronounced dead on arrival due to severe and multiple injuries. The Job Order employee who was also hit remains in critical condition and is currently undergoing intensive medical treatment.
Authorities said the impact was so strong that it left little chance for the victims to survive without serious injuries, underscoring the extreme danger of irresponsible driving.
“We Lost a Loving Father and Grandfather”
In an emotional interview with Cañete’s daughter, Roxelle Cañete, struggled to hold back tears as she recalled her father’s final moments.
“He was a loving father and grandfather,” she said. “He was always kind, helpful, and willing to serve our community. He didn’t deserve to die this way.”
Family members described Tomas Cañete as a devoted public servant who consistently volunteered his time to maintain peace and order in their barangay.
Died While Serving the Community
Cañete’s wife, Yolanda Garson Cañete, said the pain of losing her husband is made even worse by the fact that he was on duty when the tragedy happened.
“He was serving our barangay at the time,” she said. “He dedicated his life to helping others. That is how he died — in service.”
His mother, Teresita Enghog, also expressed deep sorrow, recalling her son as hardworking, patient, and selfless, especially after becoming her main support following the death of his father.
“He never hurt anyone,” she said. “He was always strong for our family.”
Irresponsible Act, Irreversible Consequences
Investigators believe alcohol intoxication and reckless riding were major factors in the crash. Witnesses reported that the driver appeared drunk and was engaging in dangerous stunts on a public road — a blatant disregard for traffic laws and public safety.
Road safety advocates stressed that such behavior is not only illegal but deadly, putting innocent lives at risk.
“What happened here is not an accident,” one local official said. “It was the result of irresponsible choices.”
Amicable Settlement Reached
Despite their grief, the Cañete family agreed to an amicable settlement with the family of the driver. The settlement includes financial assistance for hospital bills and funeral expenses for the deceased BPAT member.
However, community members said no amount of compensation can ever replace a life lost to reckless behavior.
Promising Future Cut Short by Poor Decisions
Authorities confirmed that the driver had recently passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers — a milestone that could have marked the beginning of a promising career.
Instead, one moment of irresponsible behavior has now permanently altered several lives, leaving one family mourning, another struggling with guilt and consequences, and a community demanding accountability.
Call for Stricter Enforcement
Following the incident, residents renewed their call for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, especially against drunk driving and dangerous stunts on public roads.
Local officials urged motorists to remember that roads are shared spaces, not playgrounds for reckless displays.
“This tragedy should serve as a warning,” an official said. “One careless act can destroy families and futures.”
As the Cañete family prepares to lay their loved one to rest, they hope that his death will not be in vain — and that others will learn from the painful lesson left behind by a moment of reckless pride and irresponsibility.