Illegal Street Race Kills Young Couple in Catalunan Pequeño Crash

Courtesy: PNP Davao City Police Office

Courtesy: Dhyrille Lian

An illegal drag race along the Davao-Bukidnon Road in Barangay Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City turned fatal early Monday morning, August 3, 2026, killing a hardworking young couple.

The Davao City Police Office identified the victims as Lovely Kim Estrera Cadayona, 27, and his live-in partner, Angelou M. Isidro. Cadayona worked as a food delivery rider, while Isidro was a call center agent. Both were originally from Mati City, Davao Oriental, but had relocated to Davao City to build a stable future for their family. They leave behind an orphaned young child.

Chain-Reaction Crash

Initial police investigations reveal that the incident occurred around 2:50 AM in front of a gasoline station. The couple was traveling southbound when three speeding motorcycles, reportedly participating in an illegal northbound drag race, disrupted the traffic flow.

One of the racing motorcycles violently struck the rear of the couple's vehicle. The high-speed impact initiated a severe four-motorcycle chain collision, while a detached wheel from one vehicle spun across the pavement, hitting an oncoming motorized tricycle.

Emergency responders from the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Catalunan Pequeño declared both Cadayona and Isidro dead at the scene due to severe catastrophic injuries.

One Racer Flees, Investigation Ongoing

The severe multi-bike pileup left two other individuals injured. One involved driver was rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center for intensive medical treatment, while another rider was detained and brought to the Baliok Police Station for questioning.

According to Maj. Jemuel Mamolang, commander of the Baliok Police Station, one suspect operating a distinct V4-type motorcycle managed to escape the scene immediately following the crash. Police authorities are actively tracking the suspect and are reviewing local CCTV footage that went viral on social media showing the riders traveling at lethal speeds.

Outpouring of Grief and Calls for Justice

The unexpected tragedy has sparked intense outrage online among Davao residents, who are loudly calling for stricter local highway patrols and the absolute revocation of licenses for illegal street racers.

Grieving family members and close friends have taken to social media to mourn the couple, describing them as dedicated parents who sacrificed sleepless nights working separate shifts just to support their baby. The family is currently appealing for financial assistance to handle unexpected funeral expenses and secure the future care of the couple's orphaned child.