Iloilo logs 5,195 road crashes in nine months

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Province of Iloilo recorded 5,195 road crashes from January to September 2025, resulting in 167 deaths and 2,441 injuries, according to data from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), as cited by the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Of the total injuries, 384 were classified as major while 2,057 were minor.

At least 1,689 patients required hospital transport.

The crashes involved 7,279 vehicles, including 3,224 motorcycles and 3,057 cars and multi-cabs.

These two vehicle types accounted for more than 86 percent of all units recorded in the incidents, indicating the need for targeted interventions for private motorists, especially motorcyclists.

Santa Barbara recorded the highest number of incidents at 561, followed by Oton with 489 and Pototan with 394.

Other municipalities with high incident counts include Passi City and Pavia with 309 each, and Tigbauan with 269.

Fatalities were most concentrated in Barotac Viejo with 10 deaths, followed by Janiuay with nine, and Pototan and Cabatuan with eight each.

The report noted that these municipalities must be prioritized for post-crash care readiness and fatality-reduction efforts.

PHO chief, Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon, described the rising number of road crashes as a growing public health concern, emphasizing the human and economic toll of preventable incidents.

“An accident on the road happens in just a second, and it can cost you your life,” she said, stressing that the province continues to see a steady influx of crash-related cases.

Many victims, she noted, suffer amputations, long-term disability, or loss of livelihood, with families often burdened by high medical expenses.

She urged stricter enforcement by police, traffic officers, and local government units, citing persistent violations such as reckless overtaking, underage driving, and failure to wear helmets.

“Road signages must be clear and visible, especially along highways. Roads should be well-lit to help drivers see potholes and dangerous areas. Animals must also be kept off the roads to avoid accidents,” she added.

She also urged local governments to strengthen ordinances aimed at protecting lives rather than merely imposing fines and reminded motorists to observe caution and discipline.

“Every trip means a family is waiting for us to come home. For motorists, exercise caution and show respect on the road,” she said.