ILOILO — The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has raised the alarm over a worrying uptick in road crashes causing property damage, even as fatalities and injuries declined slightly this year.
From January 1 to July 13, a total of 1,597 road accidents involving property damage were recorded—up seven percent from 1,491 incidents during the same period in 2024.
This increase drove the overall number of traffic-related incidents in the province up by two percent, highlighting persistent challenges in curbing reckless driving and ensuring road discipline.
“This tells us that even if fewer people are getting seriously hurt, more vehicles are getting involved in collisions—many of which could be avoided,” said Police Major Rolando Araño, IPPO spokesperson.
Meanwhile, cases involving physical injuries dropped five percent from 907 to 864, and homicide cases saw a slight dip from 79 to 77.
Araño emphasized that while the decline in fatalities is welcome, the rising frequency of non-fatal crashes still represents a serious public safety concern.
Tragic incidents over the past two weeks have amplified public calls for stricter traffic enforcement:
* On July 6, a driver was killed in a head-on collision with a modernized jeepney in Oton town.
* On July 10, a seaman died after being hit by a pick-up truck while riding a bicycle in Barangay Pakiad, Oton. On the same day, a man died in Pavia town after his motorcycle hit a center island.
* On July 13, a motorcyclist died after crashing into a pick-up truck in Barangay Santiago, Barotac Viejo.
* On July 14, a funeral home employee died after slamming into a concrete post in Lambunao, and an eight-month-old infant perished in a tricycle-motorcycle collision.
“These back-to-back fatalities show that even with fewer deaths overall, the risks remain grave,” Araño warned.
Common causes cited include overspeeding, distracted driving, and the failure of motorcycle riders to wear proper safety gear.
Poor lighting, lack of reflectors, and missing road signs—especially in rural and provincial roads—exacerbate the danger.
“Some of these roads lack reflectors, street lights, or clear markings. Add to that the tendency of some drivers to overspeed or overtake recklessly, and it becomes a deadly combination,” Araño explained.
The IPPO said it is collaborating with local government units to identify high-risk areas, increase police visibility, and launch community-based safety campaigns.
Provincial authorities are also looking at a multi-pronged response that includes increased checkpoints, patrol operations, and road safety education in barangays and schools.
“We have to go beyond reaction,” said Araño. “The trend may not be dramatic, but one life lost is one too many. Our goal is to reduce these numbers and promote a culture of safe and responsible driving among all Ilonggos.”
Residents in towns like Oton, Pavia, and Lambunao—frequent sites of fatal crashes—have expressed support for tougher enforcement, including harsher penalties for unregistered vehicles and colorum operations.
The IPPO is urging all motorists, public transport drivers, and even pedestrians to observe basic safety protocols: wear helmets, follow speed limits, avoid drunk driving, and use headlights at night.
“Prevention starts with personal discipline,” Araño said. “But it ends with collective accountability.”/PN
