THE Silay City Government is mourning the death of seven individuals in a road accident involving a city government-owned mini dump truck in Hacienda Paho, Barangay Guimbala-on on Friday, June 27, 2025.
Police identified the fatalities as Alexander Balili, 62; Rafael Jardiolin Jr., 57; Eldie Naguita, 65; Azucena Dimson, 52; Jerson Leonillo, 38; Marlon Amarado, 36; and Jayme Bangis, 60, all residents of Silay City.
Mayor Joedith Gallego said in a statement that the City Government of Silay expressed its profound sorrow and deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate vehicular accident on Friday.
He said these individuals had just concluded their participation in a tree planting activity at Sitio Lantawan, an act that reflects their unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and community service.
Silay City Police Station investigation showed the mini dump truck, driven by Hernane Masa, 53, a resident of Silay City, was loaded with at least 23 passengers, all volunteer government employees, and traveling toward Sitio San Juan, Barangay Guimbala-on around 9:30 a.m.
Upon reaching Hacienda Paho, the driver lost control of the steering wheel and fell on its side, resulting in seven fatalities and 16 injured victims.
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca, Silay City Police Station chief, said the five passengers died on the spot, while two others expired in a hospital.
He said Masa also sustained injuries and is now in stable condition.
Gallego said they are now in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the City Health Office, and other relevant agencies to extend all necessary support, medical attention, and financial assistance to the victims and their immediate families.
“This tragic occurrence has brought immeasurable grief to our community. It is a moment of collective mourning for all Silaynons. I respectfully call upon everyone to offer prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of those who died, and for the full and speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries,” he said.
The mayor also assured the public that a thorough and impartial investigation will be undertaken to ascertain the root cause of this tragic event, with the end in view of ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
“In this time of sorrow, let us remain united as one Silaynon community, bound by compassion, empathy, and mutual support. May God grant peace to the departed and comfort to the grieving,” Gallego said.
Victorias City Mayor and congressman-elect of Third Legislative District Javier Benitez also expressed sorrow for the victims of the vehicular accident.
“With deep respect to the noble intentions of the victims' visit to the area, we nonetheless express support for the City Government of Silay in pursuing a thorough and impartial investigation to identify the root cause of the fatal incident,” said Benitez in a statement.
He said Third Congressional District of Negros Occidental is committed to extend help to the victims and their surviving families in all possible opportunities.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of the victims as we fervently pray that no similar accident shall happen again to anyone in the future. We call on everyone to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of those who perished and the speedy recovery of everyone who is still in emergency facilities resulting from this tragic event,” he added.
Benitez said this is a time to stand by each other's side and allow solidarity to condole with grieving hearts. (MAP)