Two fishermen were killed in a collision between motorbancas in the waters off Bien Unido town in Bohol, according to a press statement from the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) posted on the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bohol page.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. on May 2, 2025.
Police investigations revealed that both victims were residents of Malingin Island, Bien Unido. One of the fishermen was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival, while his companion, initially reported missing, was later found by a search-and-rescue team from Bien Unido.
Further investigation indicated that the red motorbanca, which collided with the green motorbanca carrying the victims, fled the scene immediately after the incident.
Police Col. Arnel Banzon, BPPO director, has ordered chiefs of police in the Municipalities of Bien Unido, Carlos P. Garcia, Ubay, and Talibon to commence a joint investigation on the issue.
Police Lt. Col. Norman Lobrigas Nuez, spokesperson for the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO), expressed gratitude to concerned citizens who reported the incident and assisted in the search-and-rescue operations, emphasizing that community involvement is crucial in solving crimes.
However, he also cautioned netizens to exercise prudence when sharing information on social media, particularly unverified content, warning that individuals may face cyberlibel charges if they falsely accuse persons, authorities, or organizations.
“Si PLt. Col. Nuez, mipahibalo sa katawhan nga kung aduna gani mahitabo nga krimen o insidente kinahanglan dali kini nga ipaabot sa kapulisan. Ug pinaagi niini atong matubag o maalarmahan dayon madakpan ang mga suspetsado ug aron atong mahatagan ug tinud-anay nga hustisya ang mga biktima,” the PNP Bohol press statement said.