DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — A series of tragic road accidents across Davao del Sur on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, resulted in four fatalities and five injuries, prompting local authorities to issue warnings regarding road safety.
Accident Reports:
- Bansalan (2 Deaths): At past 6:00 p.m., a cargo truck carrying 100 crates of tomatoes lost its brakes while navigating a downhill portion of the national highway in Barangay Managa. The truck, driven by Florencio Lorque, accelerated uncontrollably and plowed into two motorcycles. Both motorcycle riders were declared dead on arrival at a local hospital. The truck driver and his helper also sustained injuries.
- Hagonoy (1 Death): A pickup truck traveling from General Santos City to Digos City skidded and flipped along the Digos-Makar national highway at past 1:00 p.m. The vehicle lost control on a curved section of the road, slammed into an electric post, and fell into a shallow ravine. One passenger died from massive injuries, while the driver and another passenger were injured.
- Digos City (1 Death): An unidentified man riding a bicycle along Rizal Avenue in Barangay San Jose died after colliding with a service van. Traffic investigators stated that the bicycle made a sudden left turn into the path of the oncoming van. The rider was declared dead on arrival at the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital.
Police Response
Local police chiefs Major Fidelito Viola Jr. (Bansalan) and Major Dante Baguio Jr. (Hagonoy) confirmed that investigations into the specific causes of the mechanical failures and loss of control are ongoing. The incidents have highlighted the dangers of the province’s curved and downhill highway sections.