The Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced it will issue a Show Cause Order (SCO) to the BMW Owners’ Society of Safe Riders (BOSS), organizer of the BOSS Ironman Challenge Mindanao Cup 2026 flagging off from General Santos City with a route around Mindanao on January 31 to February 1, 2026. The action follows widespread circulation of disturbing footage and accounts of accidents on social media platforms, which caught the immediate attention of the LTO Chief and enforcement teams.

The agency has reviewed viral videos and images shared widely across social media platforms and noted specific traffic violations committed by the event’s participants during the event, in violation of Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code). These include over speeding, use of unauthorized vehicle accessories and modifications, illegal blinkers, failure to stop at red lights and disregard for road signs, including mandatory stop signs and lane markers.

LTO says these alleged violations contributed to serious incidents during the challenge. Multiple collisions were reported, involving both event participants and civilian vehicles. Most tragically, one of these collisions resulted in the death of a seven-year-old child. A separate fatal collision involving another event participant occurred in Kibawe, Bukidnon on February 1, 2026, and is currently under investigation by local authorities.

Following initial assessment of the social media content, LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) launched preliminary investigations to verify the allegations and gather additional evidence. Once concluded, the Show Cause Order will be formally issued to the organizers.

“The heartbreaking footage we saw circulating online is a stark reminder that road safety is non-negotiable – every life on our roads matters, especially the most vulnerable among us like children,” said LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao “Private motor vehicle events must never come at the cost of innocent lives. Under Republic Act No. 4136, organizers have a legal and moral obligation to ensure compliance with traffic laws and prioritize safety for all. We will hold accountable those responsible, and this case sends a clear message: compliance is mandatory, and safety must be at the core of all event planning and execution.”

In response, the BMW Owners’ Society of Safe Riders (BOSS), the organizers of the event have released a statement.

"We share the sentiments of the public we do not want accidents to happen [sic]. Safety has always been our highest priority. Thorough preparations were made in close coordination with Local Government Units, the Philippine National Police, the Land Transportation Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and other government agencies to ensure the safety of riders and spectators and the orderly conduct of the event.

BOSS shared that the event underwent changes to its format for the 2026 staging.

"To reduce risk and rider fatigue, the event was conducted over two days with a mandatory overnight rest-stop, unlike earlier formats requiring completion within24 hours. Group riding of five to ten riders was made mandatory to prevent racing and promote discipline, teamwork, and camaraderie..."

The organizers also shared that participants were tracked by GPS, provided insurance coverage, as well as briefed prior to the event on the importance of complying with all national and local road safety regulations.

"Despite these measures, we acknowledge with humility that risks can never be completely eliminated in events involving motorcycles and travelling over a substantial distance. In this regard, we commit to a comprehensive review of our protocols to further enhance safety and cooperate with the appropriate government agency in this regard.

The BMW Owners’ Society of Safe Riders (BOSS) Ironman Motorcycle Challenge is a motorcycle and automobile endurance event. Participants are challenged to drive a route spanning of at least 1,200 kilometers in under 24 hours to be named a “Finisher.” It can be done in any brand of motorcycle (400cc and up) or car. Riders are given a number sticker on their motorcycle or car and a card that must be stamped or punched at checkpoints to ensure they are following the prescribed route. All the while, the route is open to vehicular traffic because participants are advised to follow road rules.

It traces its origins back to the American Ironbutt challenge where American riders were tasked with completing a 1,000 mile route within a similar time period.

Since its inception over 2 decades ago, the organizers have continued to stress that this is not a race, rather, an endurance event. However, the inevitable bragging rights over completing it in the least amount of time has endured over the years, regarded by some participants as unofficial “records” and seen by some as a challenge and time to be beaten. The event doesn’t announce winners, just finishers, however some motorcycle clubs and participants that join actively keep track of the finishing time of their members and hail those with the shortest time as heroes.

Reckless riding aside, completing the event is still a noteworthy achievement for any rider. Traveling 1,200-km in one go is not a joke, even when following the speed limit. Varying road conditions, weather conditions, and fatigue are the key challenges to overcome. Not surprisingly, many keep the participation sticker on their motorcycle and the patch that’s awarded after on their jacket as a source of pride.