MAKILALA, North Cotabato — A young woman was forced to surrender her motorcycle to unidentified robbers after being blocked along a dark and isolated road in Barangay San Vicente, Makilala on Tuesday night, alarming residents and prompting a police investigation into the incident.
The victim was identified as Iah Hernandez Ardiente, who was riding her white Yamaha Raider 150 FI motorcycle with plate number 652MVE when the incident occurred near the RNF crossing in Barangay San Vicente.
According to initial reports and posts shared by the victim’s family on social media, Ardiente was traveling along the road when several unidentified suspects suddenly blocked her path. The suspects allegedly confronted her and forcibly took her motorcycle before fleeing the scene.
Authorities said the robbers appeared to have taken advantage of the poor lighting conditions and the isolated location, as the area reportedly has no street lights and is far from residential houses, making it easier for the suspects to carry out the crime and escape quickly.
Despite the frightening encounter, Ardiente was unharmed, according to her relative Jefreel Panes Hernandez, who confirmed in a social media post that the suspects only took the motorcycle and did not physically harm the victim.
The incident quickly raised concern among residents of Barangay San Vicente and nearby communities, prompting heightened vigilance among motorists and villagers following the reported robbery.
Ardiente’s family has appealed to the public for assistance in locating the stolen motorcycle. They urged anyone who may see or have information about the white Yamaha Raider 150 FI with plate number 652MVE to immediately report it to authorities to help speed up its recovery.
Meanwhile, the Makilala Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), has launched an investigation to identify the suspects and track down the stolen vehicle.
Police have also alerted neighboring municipalities to watch out for the motorcycle, which may be transported or sold outside the area.
Authorities reminded motorists to exercise extra caution when traveling, particularly at night, and advised them to avoid isolated and poorly lit roads whenever possible to reduce the risk of falling victim to criminal activities.
The incident has also renewed calls from residents for the local government to install additional street lighting in remote road sections, particularly in areas frequently used by motorists, to improve public safety and deter criminal acts.