The city government of Calbayog has expressed alarm over the increasing number of road accidents in the city this holiday season and called for more safety campaigns.

In a meeting, Mayor Raymund Uy and city disaster risk reduction and management officer Sandro Daguman on Thursday agreed to give importance to vehicular accident prevention.

Uy encouraged the conduct of more road safety advocacy campaigns and the establishment of checkpoints on major roads in the city.

He said road safety is not just a role of government agencies but a shared responsibility with road and vehicle users.

“Every barangay should have competent emergency personnel ready to respond to alarms and emergencies,” Uy said.

Police recorded at least five vehicular accidents in Calbayog City on Dec. 24-26 alone, involving different types of vehicles.

The deadliest occurred on Christmas Eve in Matobato village, killing six teenagers and injuring five others.

A report said a tricycle driver maneuvered towards the other side of the lane and did not notice the parked backhoe, hitting the bus passing the other side of the road, resulting in the accident.

Police Regional Office 8 (Eastern Visayas) Director, Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, earlier appealed to motorists to drive carefully to avoid accidents.

Pawid urged motorists not to drive after drinking liquor to ensure the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. (PNA)

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