Iloilo’s highways have seen too many recent tragedies. In the first two weeks of July 2025 alone, two major crashes left commuters asking: “Where’s the safety on our roads?” On July 6, a speeding private car swerved into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a modernized jeepney in Barangay San Antonio, Oton[1]. The jeepney’s 21-year-old driver (“Mando”) was thrown from his vehicle and later died at the hospital[1]; 13 passengers in the jeepney suffered minor injuries. Just four days later, in Barangay Mali-ao, Pavia, another rider was killed after his motorcycle suddenly veered into the center island of the national highway[2]. The 23-year-old victim was not wearing a helmet and sustained fatal head injuries[2]. These high-profile cases mirror a dangerous trend: from January to March 2025, Iloilo recorded over 1,000 road crash incidents with 42 fatalities[3]. In short, traffic deaths are piling up on our highways, prompting calls for urgent action.
In Oton town, the July 6 collision (pictured above) highlighted risky driving in rainy conditions. Police say the private sedan drifted into the path of a San Joaquin-bound PUJ at around 5:45 a.m.[1]. The jeepney driver (“Jet”, 40) was badly shaken but survived; the car’s driver was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead on arrival[1]. Eyewitnesses and investigators noted the car was traveling unusually fast. The jeepney’s cooperative later reviewed dashcam video showing the white sedan fishtailing on the wet road before impact[1]. In short, a combination of speed and poor weather helped turn a routine trip into a fatal crash.
Government agencies have since weighed in on the Oton incident. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) of Region 6 released the dashcam footage and confirmed the car was speeding despite slippery roads[1]. Interestingly, LTO also issued a “show-cause” order to the jeepney driver, not as an accusation of fault but to ensure all facts were gathered[1]. In his statement, the jeepney driver said he tried to brake and jolt the vehicle to safety, but sliding conditions made it impossible to avoid the collision[1]. For authorities, the video simply underlined the perils of reckless driving: a single maneuver on a rainy highway left many people hurt and one life lost.
Meanwhile, rural roads in Iloilo have proven just as dangerous. On July 10, Panay News reported that Van Iver Ralla, 23, was killed when his Yamaha Aerox scooter ran into a highway median in Barangay Mali-ao, Pavia[2]. Ralla had left a friend’s house late at night and was heading home when the accident happened. Police say he apparently lost control and was thrown about 10 meters from the point of impact[2]. Because he wasn’t wearing a helmet, Ralla struck his head on the pavement and died instantly[2]. As local motorists observe, the lack of protective gear and risky speed can turn any ride into a fatal incident.
The July 10 wrecks in Pavia and Oton followed one after another. In Oton that same day, a pickup truck struck a 28-year-old cyclist from behind in Barangay Pakiad[4]. The victim, a seaman riding to work, was declared dead at the hospital from his injuries[4]. Police say they are investigating if speeding was a factor, as the cyclist’s family intends to file homicide charges for “reckless imprudence”[4]. With a motorbike, a car, and a bicycle all involved in recent fatal crashes, residents are painfully aware that no road user is safe right now.
Statistics from earlier in 2025 underline the alarm. In Iloilo City alone, health and police authorities recorded 12 fatal road crashes in just five months (Jan–May)[5]. Across the whole province, 42 people died in road incidents from January through March 2025[3]. The leading cause? Authorities and police uniformly point to reckless driving – overtaking in unsafe spots, speeding, and driving under the influence[3]. Other factors include alcohol impairment, vehicle defects, and even poor road design or lighting[5]. As Darianne Joy Papa of the City Health Emergency Bureau warned, “Road safety is not just a law enforcement concern – it’s a public health concern,” and every Ilonggo family has felt this crisis up close[5].
Given these challenges, officials are pushing for change. Local campaigns in July (coinciding with Road Safety Month) urge motorists to always wear helmets or seatbelts and to avoid distractions like texting[5]. Drivers are reminded to slow down at crosswalks and respect pedestrians; sadly, police note that many accidents happen even on zebra crossings when motorists fail to stop[5]. Law enforcers have also begun stricter patrols and checkpoints – in Iloilo City, traffic authorities report issuing hundreds of tickets for overspeeding and other violations in recent weeks. Meanwhile, residents say infrastructure needs fixing too: they want consistent enforcement of building setback rules and clearer highway markings so that parked vehicles or stalls no longer crowd the road.
As Ilonggos watch yet another life cut short on the roadside, the message from experts is clear: unless driver behavior and road conditions improve, the carnage will continue. “By committing to safer behaviors, we are not only following the law; we are saving lives,” LTO director Geduspan has said[5]. The question on many minds now is urgent and simple: When will Iloilo’s highways become safe for everyone who uses them? Until that answer is clear, each trip will carry the shadow of the last tragedy.
Sources:
- [1] GMA Regional TV – Report on July 6, 2025 collision in Barangay San Antonio, Oton
- [2] Panay News – Report on July 10, 2025 motorcycle crash in Barangay Mali-ao, Pavia
- [3] Daily Guardian – Iloilo Q1 2025 crash data (January to March)
- [4] Daily Guardian – Report on July 10, 2025 cyclist fatality in Barangay Pakiad, Oton
- [5] GMA News – July 2025 coverage on road safety campaigns and Iloilo City statistics
Ilonggo Traveler 
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