VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — A male pedestrian died after being struck by a pickup truck along the national highway in Valencia City early Saturday, September 5, in a crash that has again raised concerns over pedestrian and motorists’ safety along busy roads in Bukidnon.
According to the initial investigation cited by the Valencia City police, the incident happened at around 3 a.m. in front of a private hospital along the national highway.
Police said the victim was crossing the highway from the eastern side toward the western side when he was hit by the front-left portion of a Nissan Navara pickup truck.
The pickup was reportedly being driven by a 39-year-old man traveling from Purok 17 in Barangay Hagkol toward the city proper on the inner lane.
The impact left the pedestrian with severe injuries. He was immediately brought to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead at approximately 3:10 a.m.
Authorities had yet to publicly identify the victim as investigators continued efforts to establish his identity and determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
Driver taken into police custody
Following the crash, police took the driver and the vehicle to the Valencia City police station for verification and proper disposition.
Authorities have not indicated in the initial report that the driver has been found criminally liable. Further investigation will determine whether any traffic violation or other legal offense was committed.
Valencia City police chief Police Lt. Col. Bryan Panganiban also announced tighter traffic enforcement following the incident, including random checkpoints intended to improve road safety.
Police urged motorists to exercise extreme caution, particularly when approaching areas where pedestrians may be crossing.
Bukidnon’s continuing road-safety concern
The fatal Valencia City crash comes amid continuing road-safety concerns in Bukidnon.
Recent data contained in the Bukidnon Peace and Order and Public Safety Plan 2026–2028 shows that road crashes remain a significant public-safety issue in the province. The document says Bukidnon recorded the highest annual average number of road-crash deaths in Northern Mindanao from 2019 to 2023, with an average of 324 deaths per year during the period cited. It also identifies factors including vehicle volume, pedestrian infrastructure limitations and traffic-management challenges.
Earlier in 2026, GMA News also reported a separate fatal incident in Maramag, Bukidnon, where a 63-year-old man was killed after being struck by a passenger bus while crossing a highway. Bukidnon police subsequently reminded motorists to remain alert around pedestrians and to slow down and brake when approaching pedestrian crossings.
Road-safety projects are also being funded
The national government has allocated funding for several road-safety improvements along the Sayre Highway in Bukidnon, including roadway lighting, pavement markings, guardrails and road signs.
The 2026 General Appropriations Act also includes funding for the construction of pedestrian overpasses at specified portions of Sayre Highway, reflecting efforts to provide safer facilities for people crossing major roads.
These infrastructure measures are particularly important in areas where pedestrians and fast-moving vehicles share heavily traveled highways.
For now, police continue to investigate the Valencia City collision, while the victim’s identity and the circumstances that led to the fatal crossing remain under investigation.
Authorities are again reminding both motorists and pedestrians that caution is critical, especially during the early-morning hours when visibility and traffic conditions can increase the risk of serious road crashes.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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