Ayuman wants motorcycles banned from CSCR tunnel

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) is pushing the ban of motorcycles from Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR) tunnel following a fatal accident last week.

CCDRRMO officer-in-charge Ramil Ayuman said the tunnel should be off limits to motorcycles to avoid accidents.

“Peligro man gud siya labi na kun mag-uwan. Mas maayo nga adto lang sila moagi sa regular nga dalan. Naa na’y previous recommendation ang DPWH ana,” Ayuman said.

(It is dangerous especially if it is raining. It would be better for them to pass through the regular road. There was already a previous recommendation from DPWH about it)

Ayuman said the SRP governing board is creating a special committee to check on the needs of the tunnel and to make additional recommendations.

The CCDRMO has also assigned a special rescue squad in the area to conduct regular patrols.

More traffic signs are also needed to be installed at the SRP, said Ayuman.

He advised the motorists to maintain discipline while driving, especially during rainy season. According to Ayuman, they have already conducted a series of coordination meetings with the stakeholders.

“Dili gyud na puwede pasilongan ang tunnel kay peligro kaayo na,” he said.

On Thursday last week, a sports utility vehicle rammed into three motorcycles parked inside the tunnel while their owners had taken shelter from the downpour.

The incident resulted in the death of Stephanie Hetutua, 26. Seven others were injured from the accident.

The SUV was driven by Tareq Farhat, a 19-year-old native of Forbes Hills, Zamboanga City who is temporarily residing in Junquera St., Cebu City. Farhat told police investigators that while driving inside the tunnel, he stepped on the brakes after seeing three parked motorcycles on the road but  the car slid as the tires and the road were slippery, hitting the motorcycles. —FPL (FREEMAN)