BUTUAN CITY — A police officer was killed while another remained in critical condition after the motorcycle they were riding crashed into a concrete barrier at the Bancasi Rotonda in Butuan City early Friday morning, September 11, 2026.
The fatal road accident occurred at around 3:21 a.m. in Barangay Bancasi, according to initial information from Butuan City Police Station 3. The victims were identified as Patrolman Eugene Pigao, 33, the motorcycle driver, and Patrolman Daryl Datul, 32, the back rider. Both are members of the Philippine National Police and were reportedly assigned to the PNP Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit (DEG-SOU).
Police said the two officers were aboard a Yamaha Mio Aerox motorcycle bearing plate number 549ZBD and were traveling from Barangay Libertad toward Bancasi when the crash occurred.
Based on the initial investigation, the motorcycle reached a curved portion of the Bancasi Rotonda and reportedly overshot the road before striking a concrete barrier. The impact threw the two officers onto the concrete pavement, causing serious injuries, particularly to their heads.
The two injured officers were immediately taken to the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital by responding personnel of ALIMAT. Pigao, however, was declared dead on arrival, while Datul was admitted and remained in critical condition as of the latest information available.
Initial reports also indicated that the two officers had just come from duty and were traveling in connection with their work when the accident happened. They were reportedly on their way to meet an asset in relation to an illegal-drug operation. This detail remains part of the initial account and would be subject to verification by investigators.
Police are continuing to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash, including the motorcycle’s speed, road conditions, and other possible contributing factors.
The death of Pigao adds another tragedy to the risks faced by police personnel whose duties often require them to travel at any hour, including during sensitive anti-illegal-drug operations.
Datul, meanwhile, remains under medical care as his colleagues and authorities await further updates on his condition.
Pigao’s remains were reportedly brought to a funeral facility in Butuan City pending funeral arrangements and other procedures.