Two Lives Lost, Five Injured in Devastating Sibonga Highway Collision
A severe traffic accident on the National Highway in Barangay Candaguit, Sibonga, Cebu, resulted in two fatalities and five injuries on the morning of Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The collision involved an Isuzu closed van and a tricycle, causing significant damage and multiple casualties.
Details of the Fatal Crash
According to the Sibonga Municipal Police Station investigation, the tricycle was traveling from Carcar to Argao, while the delivery van, bearing plate number GBF 9055 and loaded with Nature Spring water, was headed toward Carcar. At the site of the incident, the tricycle reportedly crossed into the opposite lane, leading to a direct collision with the oncoming van driven by Reynaldo Sarona Sardoncillo, a 37-year-old salesman and resident of Brgy. Binlod, Argao.
The impact was so forceful that the tricycle overturned, ejecting its passengers and causing them to sustain head injuries and various bodily wounds. Emergency responders from the MDRRMO Sibonga quickly arrived at the scene, transporting the victims to Deiparine Community Hospital. Those in critical condition were later transferred to Carcar City Hospital for advanced medical care.
Victims and Aftermath
The tricycle driver, Patrick Heredia, and his passengers were rushed to the hospital. The passengers included Genesa Himar, 22, and Shanin Himar, 19, siblings from Lutupan, Toledo City; Bianca Michaela Morala, 21, from Lapu-Lapu City; Jocel Cabrera, 23, from Labangon, Cebu City; and Kate Elaine Gemena, 14, and Britt Gemena, from Candaguit, Sibonga. Tragically, the Himar siblings were confirmed dead at the scene.
In the aftermath, the van driver is currently in police custody as authorities prepare to file charges of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Multiple Physical Injuries and Damage to Property. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the region, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations.
Local officials have expressed condolences to the families affected and are reviewing measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. The community remains in shock as investigations continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event on a busy Cebu highway.
