230 accidents in first half of 2026: BFP-Kalinga says most crash victims were intoxicated riders, minors

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Kalinga responded to 230 vehicular traffic accidents (VTAs) across the province during the first six months of 2026, with many of those involved reportedly being minors and intoxicated riders or drivers.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on Monday, August 24, BFP-Kalinga Public Information Officers Fire Officer 1 Leizl Graile Bali and Non-Uniformed Personnel San Ubaldo Esteban said the agency’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams responded to 230 road crashes from January to June 2026.

The figure represents a 45.57-percent increase, or 72 additional responses, from the 158 VTA responses recorded during the same period in 2025.

The 230 cases refer specifically to road crashes that received assistance from BFP-Kalinga personnel and do not represent the total number of road crashes recorded throughout the province.

BFP maintains its own incident and response records, separate from those of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Highway Patrol Group (HPG), which also document road crashes through their respective reports and operations.

According to Esteban, many of those involved in the crashes responded to by BFP were minors and riders or drivers who had been drinking.

“Dagitoy niresponde-an mi. Mostly dagitoy nga maak-aksidente ket dagijay nakainom ken dagiti ubing pay,” Esteban said.

Single-vehicle crashes dominate responses

Single-vehicle crashes accounted for the majority of BFP’s VTA responses, with 153 cases recorded from January to June 2026, up from 101 during the same period last year.

According to FO1 Bali, these involve incidents in which only one vehicle is involved, such as a motorcycle or car crashing without colliding with another vehicle.

Meanwhile, responses to multiple-vehicle crashes also increased, from 57 cases in the first half of 2025 to 77 during the same period this year.

Bali explained that these incidents involve two or more vehicles.

BFP: Keep minors off motorcycles, especially after drinking

With the increase in crash responses, Bali and Esteban reminded motorists and other road users to observe traffic rules and practice greater caution on the road.

They urged motorists to avoid speeding, stay alert, never drive while intoxicated, and use proper safety gear, including helmets and other protective equipment.

The BFP personnel also appealed to parents to prevent minors from driving motorcycles, particularly when they have been drinking.

They stressed that intoxication, combined with a minor’s limited driving experience, can significantly increase the risk of crashes and serious injuries.

For BFP-Kalinga, the rising number of emergency responses underscores the importance of prevention—not only faster response after crashes occur, but also responsible decisions by motorists and parents before anyone gets on the road.