DAVAO CITY — “Mabalik pa ang kinabuhi sa akong kuya ug ni ate anang inyong apology ha?” (“Will your apology bring my brother and sister-in-law back to life?”)
These anguished words from Ana Cadayona, sister of one of the victims, echoed across social media as emotions ran high following the surrender of several men allegedly involved in the illegal drag race that claimed the lives of a young couple in Barangay Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City.
The heartbreaking appeal underscores the family’s unwavering demand for justice after Lovely Kim Cadayona and her live-in partner, Angel Isidro, were killed during a multi-motorcycle collision allegedly triggered by an illegal speed contest along the Davao-Bukidnon Road in the early hours of August 3.
Criminal Charges Filed
In a major development, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) confirmed that formal criminal charges for Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide and Damage to Property were officially filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office on August 4 against the identified participants and co-participants in the illegal drag racing incident.
Authorities said the filing of charges marks the beginning of the legal process aimed at holding accountable everyone who participated in the deadly street race.
The primary suspect, whose motorcycle allegedly collided directly with the motorcycle carrying the victims, remains under strict police custody at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), where he continues to receive treatment for injuries sustained during the crash. Police confirmed that despite his hospitalization, criminal proceedings against him have already commenced.
Fourth Suspect Surrenders After CCTV Backtracking
Meanwhile, police announced another breakthrough after locating the Yamaha rider who initially fled the scene following the collision.
According to PMaj. Jemuel Mamolong in an exclusive interview with DXDC RMN Davao, the 25-year-old suspect from Barangay Tamayong, Calinan District voluntarily surrendered after authorities tracked his movements using closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.
Police disclosed that the suspect was personally turned over by his grandfather.
Investigators said the rider was briefly brought to SPMC but was discharged shortly afterward.
His surrender follows an intensive police effort to identify everyone who participated in the illegal drag race that ended in tragedy.
Authorities added that investigations remain ongoing to determine the full extent of each participant’s criminal liability.
“Pasayloa Mi”
On Tuesday afternoon, four individuals voluntarily appeared before the Baliok Police Station, admitting that they had actively participated in the illegal drag racing activity.
The men publicly apologized to the grieving family of the victims, saying, “Pasayloa mi” (“Forgive us”).
However, the apology was immediately met with outrage from the Cadayona family.
For Ana Cadayona, no amount of remorse could ever compensate for the irreversible loss.
Her emotional social media post quickly gained widespread attention, with thousands of netizens expressing sympathy for the bereaved family while condemning illegal street racing.
Father’s Plea: “We Will Fight for Justice”
Lovely Kim’s father, Segundo Cadayona, admitted he continues to struggle in accepting the sudden death of his daughter.
According to him, the family will pursue every legal remedy available to ensure that everyone responsible for the tragedy is held accountable.
He also appealed to government authorities to support their quest for justice and ensure that similar incidents never happen again.
The remains of the victims are currently lying in state at Villa-Gan Funeral Homes in Toril, Davao City, before being transported to Mati City for their final funeral rites.
Massive Police Crackdown Ordered
Following the tragedy, the DCPO announced intensified enforcement measures against illegal drag racing across Davao City.
Police said high-visibility checkpoints and saturation patrols will now be deployed nightly—from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m.—along known racing hotspots, including:
- Davao-Bukidnon Road
- Diversion Road
- MacArthur Highway
- Coastal Road extensions
The City Director has likewise ordered all station commanders to coordinate closely with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) to identify illegal motorcycle modification shops and impound altered motorcycles commonly used in unauthorized street races.
Barangay officials, tanods, and community volunteers are also being mobilized to report suspected pre-race gatherings and spectator crowds before races begin.
Police Continue Hunt for Other Participants
Although several suspects have already surrendered, authorities said efforts remain ongoing to identify and locate other individuals believed to have participated in the illegal speed contest.
Investigators continue to evaluate witness statements, CCTV footage, and other evidence to determine whether additional criminal charges should be filed against other participants under the principle of joint criminal liability.
A Tragedy That Sparked Public Outrage
The fatal crash occurred at around 2:50 a.m. on August 3 along the Davao-Bukidnon Road in Barangay Catalunan Pequeño.
Initial police investigations showed that four motorcycles were involved in a violent chain-reaction collision. Authorities have since established that the incident stemmed from an illegal drag race involving multiple motorcycles.
The collision claimed the lives of Lovely Kim Cadayona and Angel Isidro, innocent victims whose motorcycle became caught in the deadly sequence of events.
Their deaths have reignited calls for stricter enforcement against illegal street racing, with many citizens urging authorities to impose harsher penalties on racers who endanger innocent lives.
As the investigation continues, the DCPO reiterated its uncompromising warning to motorists:
“Public roads are not racing tracks. We will pursue every individual who places human lives at risk through reckless and illegal road activities.”
For the Cadayona family, however, the legal battle is only beginning. While the suspects’ words of “Pasayloa mi” may acknowledge responsibility, the family insists that forgiveness cannot erase the devastating loss of two lives—or replace the future that was stolen in a single reckless moment.