9 truck crash victims in Negros Oriental honored
BACOLOD CITY—The Bayawan city government is mourning the deaths of eight of its employees and an on-the-job trainee, who were killed when their dump truck plunged into a ravine on Wednesday.
A memorial mass was held on Thursday at Villareal Gym to honor the victims, prompting the postponement of the Tawo-tawo Festival 2026 opening salvo and the Miss Bayawan 2026 presentation night, now rescheduled to Feb. 9.
Citing both the period of mourning and the impact of Tropical Depression “Basyang,” the city government urged residents to continue showing their unity during these “trying times.”
The victims were identified as driver Egmedio Arnaiz, along with Diomedes Canoy, Kervin Andog, Larry Llamos, Ronel Cabasag, Jonathan Hamor, Jovanie Babor, and Jonaryl Caguisa—all employees of the Bayawan City Agriculture Office–Engineering Division.
Also among the victims was Warren Arseñas, an on-the-job trainee from Negros Oriental State University, Bayawan–Sta. Catalina Campus.
Police reported that the dump truck fell into a 30-meter ravine at 11:10 a.m. on Wednesday in Sitio Mansintak, Barangay Kalamtukan, Bayawan, Negros Oriental.
The vehicle, carrying all nine victims, had delivered crude oil for tractors in Barangay Mandu-ao when the accident occurred.
Miscalculation
Bayawan Police Chief Lt. Col. Joeson Parallag said a possible driver miscalculation is under investigation, but authorities are still conducting a thorough probe.
There were no witnesses, as all passengers perished in the crash. The vehicle has since been recovered and is being inspected to determine whether mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
Bayawan Mayor John Raymond Jr. said the victims included four junior mechanics, two drivers, and two helpers.
He assured the public that both the Bayawan City and Negros Oriental provincial governments are committed to providing full support to the families of the victims during this difficult time.
