At least five people were killed after a police patrol vehicle from the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office plunged off a cliff in Barangay Napangan, Don Victoriano, on February 13.
Police Regional Office-10 spokesperson Major Joann Navarro confirmed the incident, saying the ill-fated vehicle belonged to the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and was part of a security convoy for the Provincial Tourism Office.
Among the fatalities were Police Staff Sgt. Vilcon Macabugto and Patrolmen Neljie Marban, Rudilyn Pacut, and Louel Cordova—all assigned to the 2nd PMFC. A civilian, Christine Tan Fortich of the Provincial Tourism Office, also died after being rushed to the hospital.
Initial investigation revealed that the patrol car lost control along a sharp curve on a dangerous mountain road before plunging into a ravine. The convoy was escorting Binibining Pilipinas candidates on their pageant tour to Peduan Falls when the accident occurred.
Authorities are continuing their probe into the tragedy, which has cast a shadow over the province’s tourism activities and highlighted the risks of navigating treacherous terrain in the area.
