Locals want strict speed limit imposed in North Cotabato’s ‘highway of death

KIDAPAWAN CITY – After yet another deadly tragedy in the area, residents of Aleosan and Midsayap in North Cotabato have urged local government leaders to pass an ordinance that will impose strict speed limits for all vehicles along the Cotabato-Davao highway.

"Like in Davao, there should be speed limit to save lives and properties," said Ferdinand Solis of Barangay Balindog who noted that despite the disputed portion of Cotabato-Davao Highway being on a steep slope, there was no speed limit for motorists.

Tessie Eray, a commuter who regularly travels from Kidapawan City to Kabacan, also suggested that an ordinance should be passed similar to those in Tupi and Polomolok, South Cotabato where 40- to 60-kilometers per hour speed limits have been imposed.

"(The number of) vehicular accidents in Tupi and Polomolok have gone down since the speed limit was applied," Eray said, adding that the stretch of the highway from Barangay Balindog to Barangay Binoligan was prone to accident because it was straight and on a slope.

This call came after yet another accident claimed another life Monday, this time, that of an 18-year old tricycle driver after an overspeeding cargo truck lost control and mowed down at least 10 vehicles in the villages of Binoligan and Paco here.

Sr. Insp. Samuel Bascon, Kidapawan City police deputy director said Charlie Candado was the lone fatality in the mishap that occurred at around 7:30 p.m.

Thirty one others were injured when the truck driven by Jamel Wamar, 27, of Barangay Silik, Pikit, North Cotabato, barreled through slower-moving vehicles as it zipped through the highway at 100 kilometers per hour.

Wamar, 27, and his two helpers tried to flee from the accident scene but was collared by responding policemen.

The accident was the latest in a string of accidents that have occurred in what locals have called as “Highway of Death.”