QUIRINO, Sultan Kudarat — Maguindanao del Sur Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu has clarified his involvement in a road accident along the National Highway in Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, after social media posts and videos sparked confusion regarding the incident.
According to Mangudadatu, he and his convoy were merely passing through the area when they encountered the aftermath of a serious collision involving a motorcycle and a tricycle. Upon arriving at the scene, they found an injured motorcycle rider and a pregnant woman among the victims.
The congressman said that contrary to some circulating claims, neither he nor any member of his convoy was involved in the accident. Instead, they stopped to provide immediate assistance to those affected.
“When we passed by the place, we saw a motorcycle rider who had already figured in an accident and, on the other side, a tricycle with a woman victim. I even have video footage showing that the accident occurred before we arrived,” Mangudadatu explained.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, particularly after learning that one of the victims was pregnant, the lawmaker immediately instructed members of his team to transport the woman to the nearest hospital for urgent medical treatment.
“When I found out that the woman riding the tricycle was pregnant, I immediately ordered my colleagues to take her to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment and to ensure that both she and the child she was carrying would be safe,” he said.
Witnesses at the scene reportedly saw Mangudadatu and his companions coordinate efforts to ensure that the injured received immediate assistance while awaiting further emergency response.
The incident quickly drew attention online after videos from the scene circulated on social media. However, Mangudadatu stressed that his group’s only role was to help the victims and provide emergency response.
“Our only role was to help the victims and give immediate assistance to the situation. We have nothing to do with the collision between the motorcycle and the tricycle,” the congressman emphasized.
The lawmaker also thanked the public for their understanding and appealed for prayers for the recovery of those injured in the accident.
The incident has highlighted the importance of immediate bystander assistance during emergencies, especially in areas where every minute can make a significant difference in saving lives. The swift action taken to transport the pregnant victim to a medical facility may have helped prevent further complications and ensured prompt medical attention for both mother and child.
As authorities continue to gather details regarding the cause of the collision, attention has also been drawn to the humanitarian response shown by those who stopped to help rather than simply pass by.
Mangudadatu concluded his statement by expressing hope for the speedy recovery of all individuals injured in the incident and reiterating that his presence at the scene was solely as a concerned passerby responding to an emergency.
“Thank you very much for your understanding, and we pray for the fast recovery of those injured in this incident,” he said.