PRO-8 Reminds Public on Road Safety After Fatal Samar Crash Kills 4

Posted on Feb. 14, 2026 at 8:08 am

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas Police Regional Office (PRO-8) Director Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy urged motorists to observe speed limits and avoid distractions such as using mobile phones while driving.

“We advise drivers to stay focused on the road at all times, especially in accident-prone areas,” PBGen. Capoy said in a statement released on February 13.

He also reminded the public not to drive when tired or under the influence of alcohol. He encouraged passengers to wear seatbelts and advised drivers to check their vehicles’ brakes, lights, tires, and oil levels before traveling.

Following a deadly crash in Samar that killed four people and injured five others on February 10, PRO-8 called on the public for road safety awareness to practice road courtesy and responsible driving.

The accident occurred in Barangay Balud, Basey, Samar, when a commuter van traveling from Borongan City to Tacloban City swerved into the opposite lane and collided with a parked truck, according to police reports.

Investigators from the Basey Municipal Police Station stated that reckless driving was the cause of the incident. The van driver and three passengers died at the scene. Five other passengers were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Basey Municipal Police Station Chief Police Captain Elaine Velarde said this was not the first fatal accident in the area. Two previous crashes occurred in nearby villages, one of which involved mechanical failure. In response, police and local government units are installing additional road signage in high-risk areas to improve safety.

“Collective discipline and awareness are crucial in ensuring road safety and preventing accidents,” PRO-8 statement said.