2 dead in separate road crashes in Tabuk - one in Barangay Nambaran and another in Agbannawag

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Two people died in separate road accidents in Tabuk City on Sunday, August 30, 2026, with police once again warning motorists against drinking alcohol before driving.

PNP Tabuk Chief Invest PNCO PSMS Chad Buyogan told GURU Press Cordillera that the first accident occurred in Barangay Nambaran at around 1:20 a.m., involving a 23-year-old resident of the barangay.

Initial police investigation showed that the young rider was reportedly on his way to Bulanao to fetch someone after spending time drinking with friends.

Upon reaching a dark portion of the highway near the Alliog Bridge, the motorcycle reportedly crashed into the middle post of a vertical clearance structure installed at the bridge.

The impact reportedly caused the rider’s head to hit the metal post before he was thrown onto the concrete pavement of the national road.

Responding personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Tabuk City brought him to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival due to severe injuries to his head, thigh and knees.

Second crash claims another life

At around 3:50 p.m. the same day, police responded to another road accident in Barangay Agbannawag involving a van driven by a legal-age resident of Magsaysay and carrying two passengers.

According to Buyogan, the van was traveling toward Isabela when the driver reportedly lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle.

The van plunged into a canal along the highway.

The two passengers, aged 44 and 41, were rescued by responding authorities and brought by the BFP Tabuk City to Mija Kim Hospital.

The driver, however, was unconscious and remained trapped inside the vehicle. He was eventually extracted through the joint efforts of authorities and residents and brought to the hospital, but later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said the two passengers, who sustained minor injuries, told investigators that they had also come from a drinking session.

Police: “Nu ag-drive tayo, haan tayon kuma ag-inom”

Following the two fatal crashes, police renewed their appeal to motorists to exercise self-discipline, particularly when attending gatherings where alcohol is served.

Buyogan reminded motorists that anyone who knows they will be driving should avoid drinking to the point of intoxication.

“Nu ag-drive tayo, haan tayon kuma ag-inom,” he said.

He emphasized that motorists should practice self-discipline and plan ahead, especially after attending gatherings or drinking sessions.

Police reminder to motorists

Police advised motorists to never drive after drinking alcohol, and to designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation when necessary.

They also reminded drivers and motorcycle riders to observe speed limits, stay alert, avoid distracted driving, use appropriate safety gear, and exercise extra caution on dark roads and during overtaking.

The two fatal crashes serve as another reminder: if you drink, don't drive—and if you drive, make sure you're sober, alert and ready for the road.