Public outrage has prompted several local governments in Mindanao to shut down long-distance motorcycle races on public roads after a weekend event left at least two people dead, including a child, and drew condemnation for what officials described as a “total disregard” for traffic laws.
The provincial government of Bukidnon, along with the local governments of Valencia City and Lantapan town, moved to bar such events following the 2026 BMW Owners Society of Safe Riders (BOSS) Ironman Motorcycle Challenge.
Authorities said the event effectively turned public highways into high-speed racetracks, resulting in the death of a 7-year-old child and a 45-year-old participant, Romhums Tomuhan of Davao de Oro.
“Public safety in all our roads and highways must come first,” Bukidnon Governor Roque Neil Roque said in an executive order banning the BOSS Ironman organizers and similar motorcycle endurance races from using provincial roads.
An investigation has been ordered to look into multiple alleged violations, including overspeeding, the unauthorized use of sirens and blinkers, and the blatant disregard of traffic lights and road signs.
