ILOILO City – A growing number of road crashes along the newly opened Iloilo Sunset Boulevard has prompted the city government to swift action, ordering the Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) to ramp up monitoring and implement immediate measures.
The directive comes after a series of incidents, the latest claiming the life of motorcycle-driving 26-year-old Jonazardo Abong, a Criminology graduate from Barangay Sooc, Arevalo district.
The fatal motorcycle crash against a sedan occurred on February 27, marking the fourth such accident since the road was reopened to traffic on January 24.
The crashes have mainly involved motorcycles and private vehicles, raising alarms about the safety of the area. The previous incidents included a February 9 collision between two pickup trucks, a February 17 crash between a multi-cab and a private vehicle, and a February 19 incident involving a motorcycle and a wing van.
In a statement released on Monday morning, March 3, Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, emphasizing the need for immediate solutions.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic accidents that occurred along Sunset Boulevard near Sooc, Arevalo, resulting in injuries and, unfortunately, the loss of one life. I have already directed the TTMO to intensify monitoring and implement immediate measures to prevent further accidents in the area,” said Treñas.
As part of his plan, the mayor is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to expedite the installation of stoplights at the intersection of the circumferential road and Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, aimed at regulating traffic flow and enhancing pedestrian safety. He also proposed adding lay-bays and parking areas to improve traffic management.
To further address the safety concerns, Treñas intends to install four floodlights to better illuminate the intersection and has called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to conduct surprise inspections to ensure road safety compliance.
“We will not take this lightly. We will do everything necessary to make our roads safer,” he added.
In a formal letter sent to DPWH regional director Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel on March 3, Treñas highlighted the major contributing factors to the accidents: the absence of pedestrian traffic lights and insufficient street lighting.
“As the father of the city, I cannot bear witness to another incident involving our constituents, especially the untimely death of one motorist,” the mayor wrote.
Referencing the constitutional mandate under Section 5, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, Treñas underscored his commitment to public safety. “In the highest interest of public welfare, I respectfully request the installation of pedestrian traffic lights and additional street lights along the circumferential road and Sunset Boulevard to prevent untoward incidents,” he added./PN
