PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte — A Catholic priest who dedicated his life to serving God and the faithful met a tragic end after being involved in a fatal road accident along the Coastal Road in Barangay J.P. Laurel, Panabo City, on the afternoon of June 18, 2026.
The victim was identified as Rev. Fr. Francis Panistan Cadagdagon, CSCh, 38, a member of the Cavanis religious congregation. According to authorities, Fr. Cadagdagon was on his way to celebrate a Mass in Davao City when the accident occurred at around 2:30 p.m.
Initial investigation by the Panabo City Police Station revealed that both the motorcycle driven by Fr. Cadagdagon and a prime mover truck were traveling in the same direction toward Davao City when the incident happened.
Police said the priest reportedly lost control of his motorcycle while navigating a curved section of the road covered with loose gravel. As he attempted to brake, the motorcycle skidded and toppled over, throwing him onto the roadway.
The unfortunate fall placed the priest directly in the path of the truck traveling behind him. Authorities said he was struck and run over by one of the vehicle’s wheels, causing fatal injuries.
Emergency responders from the Panabo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) immediately rushed to the scene and transported Fr. Cadagdagon to the Carmen District Hospital. However, attending physicians declared him dead on arrival.
Police have taken custody of the truck driver, as well as both vehicles involved, as part of the ongoing investigation and for proper legal disposition of the case.
The sudden death of Fr. Cadagdagon has sent shockwaves throughout the Catholic community, fellow clergy members, family, friends, and parishioners who knew him for his dedication and service to the Church.
Fr. Cadagdagon was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 2024, at the historic Duomo of Milan in Italy. Less than two years after his ordination, his life and ministry were cut short by the tragic accident.
In a statement posted on social media, St. Francis Xavier Parish–Tibungco expressed profound sorrow over his passing.
“With deep sorrow and gratitude, we join the entire Cavanis Community in mourning the passing of Fr. Francis M. Cadagdagon, CSCh. Fr. Francis dedicated his life to God, the Church, and the service of His people. His faith, humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his vocation have touched countless lives and inspired many to draw closer to Christ.”
The parish also remembered the priest’s unwavering commitment to his vocation and thanked God for the gift of his life and ministry.
“As we bid farewell to our beloved priest, let us remember him in our prayers and thank God for the gift of his life and ministry. May the Lord whom he faithfully served welcome him into His eternal embrace.”
Messages of condolences and prayers have since poured in from members of the clergy, religious communities, parish organizations, and faithful Catholics across the region.
As the Church mourns the loss of one of its young priests, many continue to pray for the eternal repose of Fr. Cadagdagon’s soul and for strength and comfort for his grieving family, fellow religious brothers, and the communities he faithfully served.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”