The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has filed criminal charges for Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide and Damage to Property against the identified suspects and other participants in the illegal drag racing incident that claimed the lives of a couple along the Davao–Bukidnon Road in Barangay Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City, early Monday morning.
In an official statement, the DCPO said the formal complaint was filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office on August 4, 2026, marking the start of criminal proceedings against those involved in the fatal collision.
Police said the primary suspect, whose motorcycle directly collided with the vehicle carrying the victims, remains under strict police custody at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) while receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the incident.
“Although currently undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the crash, criminal proceedings against him have commenced,” the DCPO said.
Authorities added that an active manhunt and hot pursuit operation is ongoing against the rider of another motorcycle who allegedly fled the scene immediately after the collision, as well as other unidentified participants in the illegal speed contest.
The DCPO also disclosed that four individuals voluntarily appeared before the Baliok Police Station on Tuesday, where they admitted participating in the illegal drag race and publicly apologized to the family of the deceased couple.
“Their statements are currently being evaluated to determine joint criminal liability,” the police said.
Following the deadly incident, the DCPO announced intensified enforcement measures to prevent illegal street racing across the city.
Police said they are strategically deploying high-visibility checkpoints and mobile saturation patrols along major roads, particularly the Davao–Bukidnon Road, Diversion Road, MacArthur Highway, and coastal road extensions, during the high-risk hours of 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.
DCPO City Director Colonel Peter Bauzon Madria has also directed all station and unit commanders to coordinate with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) to identify illegal motorcycle modification shops and impound non-compliant or altered motorcycles used for unauthorized racing.
In addition, the DCPO is strengthening coordination with barangay officials by mobilizing Barangay Tanods and community monitors to immediately report pre-race gatherings and spectator crowds for prompt police intervention.
Reiterating its warning against illegal street racing, Madria stressed that public roads are not racing tracks.
“We will pursue every individual who places human lives at risk through reckless and illegal road activities,” he said.
