BACOLOD City — The municipal government of Valladolid, Negros Occidental has temporarily suspended all tourism and economic activities at the Valladolid Sunset Boulevard in Barangay Palaka following a road accident that left two people dead and another seriously injured.
The suspension was ordered through Executive Order No. 036, Series of 2026, signed by Mayor Ricardo Presbitero Jr. after an emergency executive meeting held in the wake of Sunday’s tragedy.
Under the order, all tourism-related and economic activities, including the operation of ambulant vendors, were halted effective noon on July 6 while the local government conducts a comprehensive safety assessment and implements enhanced traffic management and public safety measures.
Presbitero said the temporary closure is intended to prioritize public safety as the municipal government reviews existing traffic conditions and formulates a revised safety plan for the area.
The executive order noted that the fatal incident highlighted the urgent need to reassess safety measures at the boulevard to protect residents, vendors, visitors, and motorists.
The emergency meeting was attended by representatives from Barangay Palaka, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Municipal Tourism Office, and other concerned agencies to discuss immediate and long-term interventions aimed at preventing similar incidents.
Police said the accident happened at about 4:15 p.m. Sunday along the national highway fronting the boulevard.
Initial investigation showed that a northbound oil tanker truck allegedly went out of control after its driver reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and hit an ambulant vendor and her companions.
Responders from the MDRRMO rushed the victims to the Valladolid District Hospital.
A 36-year-old mother identified only by the alias “Ling” was declared dead on arrival, while a 17-year-old girl later died while undergoing treatment.
Another victim, a 19-year-old man identified as alias “Mike,” both from Barangay Poblacion, Valladolid, sustained serious injuries and remains under medical care.
The truck driver, a 57-year-old resident of Bacolod City identified only as alias “Jr.,” is now under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges.
During the suspension, the municipal government will review the boulevard’s operations, evaluate existing traffic management strategies, and introduce additional safety measures before allowing tourism and business activities to resume.
The local government extended its condolences to the bereaved families and appealed for public understanding and cooperation as authorities undertake measures to ensure the Valladolid Sunset Boulevard can safely reopen to residents and visitors./PN
