ROAD RACE ROW: Diversion Road crash reignites debate over fun run safety

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A vehicular crash involving two motorcycles during a half marathon on Diversion Road has triggered a public dispute over the use of national highways for fun runs in Iloilo City, drawing reactions from city officials, race organizers and the local running community.

The crash occurred while the half marathon was underway along Diversion Road early Sunday morning, July 12, as rain fell and traffic on the four-lane national highway had been reduced to two lanes to accommodate runners.

City Councilor Jose Maria “Nene” Dela Llana questioned the holding of fun runs on national highways following the crash.

“I’ve long been saying this about fun runs,” Dela Llana wrote in a Facebook post.

He suggested organizers instead hold such events along the Iloilo River North Bank Road, Sunset Boulevard, or the Iloilo River Esplanade, which he said would be more appropriate venues.

In a subsequent post, Dela Llana clarified that he is not opposed to fun runs but believes such events should prioritize public safety.

His remarks drew criticism from members of the Iloilo running community, who said the councilor had prematurely linked the crash to the event before investigators released their findings.

Members of Iloilo Running Enthusiasts, a Facebook group with more than 13,000 members, said Dela Llana’s remarks leave a negative impression of the running community’s future in Iloilo City.

One member said elected officials carry greater responsibility because their statements have significant public impact.

“He should know better. He is a councilor, not just another random person on social media. Every statement from a public official carries weight […] There were many possible factors to consider, yet one was singled out without the complete context,” the post read.

The runner added that premature statements could divide the public and encourage speculation instead of allowing authorities to establish what actually happened.

Another member urged Dela Llana to exercise greater restraint in commenting on the crash, saying his remarks had fueled misinformation and unfairly affected those directly involved as well as the broader Iloilo running community.

The runner said the crash deserves a fair and evidence-based assessment and urged the public to allow investigators to determine its cause before assigning blame.

“As members and supporters of the Iloilo running community, we remain committed to promoting road safety, accountability, and cooperation among organizers, participants, motorists, local government, and law enforcement,” the post stressed.

“We hope this unfortunate incident will serve as an opportunity to strengthen safety measures and collaboration — not to foster division through unverified claims,” it added.

Driver intoxicated

The city government said Monday, July 13, that the motorcycle rider involved in the crash was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and had ignored repeated warnings from traffic personnel before the collision.

An initial investigation by the Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO) found that the motorcycle rider and his back rider had already fallen near the San Rafael stoplight before the collision.

Traffic enforcers reportedly assisted the pair and advised them not to continue driving.

They were also told that traffic along Diversion Road had been placed under a one-way scheme because of the half marathon and were instructed to keep to the right side of the road.

“Despite these warnings, the rider allegedly continued driving, which eventually resulted in a collision with another motorcycle,” the city government said.

The city government said the event organizers had complied with all permit requirements and coordinated with POSMO and the Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) in implementing traffic management and safety measures before and during the race.

“We regret that this unfortunate incident occurred and overshadowed what was otherwise a successful community event promoting health and wellness,” the statement read.

The city government also reminded motorists to drive responsibly, warning that driving under the influence of alcohol endangers not only motorists and their passengers but also pedestrians, event participants, and other road users.

“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone’s cooperation is essential in preventing similar incidents,” the city government emphasized.

City council to review fun run safety rules

Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chairperson of the Committee on Transportation and Public Safety, said the City Council will review the circumstances surrounding the crash once the Philippine National Police (PNP) completes its investigation.

“Once the PNP incident report is available, we will be able to see a clearer picture as to the cause and will determine our succeeding steps. We will also reach out to those [involved] in the unfortunate accident,” he said.

Organizers are required to coordinate with POSMO and TTMO to prepare a traffic management plan and implement safety measures.

They must also execute an affidavit of undertaking before the committee endorses the road closure to the City Council for approval.

Cabaluna said the half marathon organizers complied with all requirements.

Under the city’s ordinance governing temporary road closures, TTMO is tasked with implementing a traffic management plan, posting advance public notices, and deploying traffic personnel to minimize disruption to motorists.

Organizers, in coordination with TTMO, are responsible for ensuring the safety of both participants and nonparticipants within the event area.

Cabaluna said the city recognizes the economic, tourism, and health benefits of large-scale events such as fun runs but stressed that public safety remains the local government’s top priority.

“While we recognize and support the value, impact and contribution of major events such as this towards tourism and community wellness, rest assured the Committee prioritizes public safety and is uncompromising in ensuring responsibility,” he said.