Patrol Car Collision in Bohol Claims Life of Elderly Woman, Leaves Two Injured
A devastating road accident in the province of Bohol has resulted in the tragic death of an 80-year-old grandmother and left two other individuals injured. The collision involved a police patrol car from the Jagna Municipal Police Station and a motorela, a common local transport vehicle, causing significant damage and immediate fatalities.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The accident occurred at approximately 8:33 in the morning on Sunday, February 8, 2026, along the national highway in Barangay Tangohay, within the municipality of Dimiao, Bohol. According to initial reports, the motorela was traveling towards the town of Valencia when it stopped to allow a passenger to disembark. At that moment, a Toyota Hilux patrol car, with plate number SND 9462, driven by Police Senior Master Sergeant Neil Bernil, was en route to Jagna from the Regional Trial Court Branch 50 in Loay, Bohol. The patrol car collided with the stationary motorela, leading to a severe impact.
Due to the force of the collision, the motorela's passengers, including the driver, were ejected from the vehicle. The 80-year-old woman, identified as Marcela Namuag, a resident of Tangohay, Dimiao, was declared dead on the spot. The injured individuals were Mary Ann Namuag, 45, and Maximino Yecyec, 55, both from Barangay Taongon Cabatuan in Dimiao. They were promptly transported to a nearby hospital via ambulance for medical treatment.
Police Response and Investigation
The Dimiao Municipal Police Station received an emergency phone call alerting them to the accident. A rapid response team, led by Police Executive Master Sergeant Samuel Rodriguez under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Joel Ompoc, was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the motorela severely damaged, with its bumper detached and the engine hood crumpled from the impact. The patrol car also sustained notable damage.
In the aftermath, Police Senior Master Sergeant Neil Bernil, the driver of the patrol car, has been taken into custody at the Dimiao Police Station. Authorities are preparing to file charges against him, including Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide, Multiple Physical Injuries, and Damage to Properties. This legal action underscores the seriousness of the incident and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
This tragic event has deeply affected the local community in Bohol, highlighting critical issues related to road safety and traffic management in the area. Witnesses at the scene described the motorela as being in the process of dropping off a passenger when the patrol car struck it, suggesting potential factors such as visibility or driver attention may have played a role. The incident raises questions about preventive measures and enforcement of traffic regulations to avoid similar accidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, residents are urged to exercise caution on the roads, particularly on national highways where such collisions can have fatal consequences. The Bohol police force is likely to review protocols and training to enhance safety for both officers and civilians.
