DAVAO CITY – Davao City councilors urged immediate police action, strict accountability, and road safety measures after an alleged illegal drag race caused a fatal crash that killed a young couple on the Davao-Bukidnon Road here.

In a privilege speech before the City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 4, Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, chairperson of the Committee on Public Works and Highways, condemned the illegal street racing as a grave threat to public safety.

"What some view as a midnight thrill is a deadly gamble with public safety. Our public roads are meant for safe travel, not personal speed tracks," Bonguyan said as she condoled with the family of the victims.

Bonguyan pointed out that loud engines and roaring exhaust systems disrupt residential areas and endanger law-abiding motorists. She urged parents to monitor children driving vehicles and asked people to report any illegal racing.

Councilor Luna Acosta, head of the Committee on Peace and Public Safety, said that illegal street racing is considered reckless driving under the country's Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

She added that the illegal activity also violates Davao City's speed limit ordinance and warned that organizers of illegal drag races will be held criminally liable if investigations by the LTO, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office, and DCPO confirm their involvement.

"Organized racing on public roads shows a deliberate effort to circumvent the law. We will coordinate with the agencies involved so that those responsible can be held accountable," Acosta said during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos.

Acosta urged motorsport enthusiasts to hold drag races only in designated private venues with a permit and avoid using public roads.

The Davao City Police Office said that a  motorcycle with Angelou M. Isidro and partner, Lovely Kim E. Cadayona, 27, onboard was hit by an approaching motorcycle participating in an alleged illegal drag race before dawn on Monday, Aug. 3, in Barangay Catalunan Pequeño.

Police said the collision triggered a chain-reaction crash involving four motorcycles. Isidro and Cadayona died on the spot from severe injuries while another rider was seriously injured.

Three motorcycles were racing on the highway before the incident happened.

The DCPO filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property before the City Prosecutor's Office against the suspects on Tuesday morning.

The primary suspect, whose motorcycle directly collided with the couple, is under police custody while under treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center here.

Police are searching for the Yamaha motorcycle rider who fled the scene as well as other unidentified participants. Four individuals voluntarily surrendered to the Baliok Police Station on Tuesday afternoon and admitted active participation in the race.

DCPO director Police Col. Peter Madria said police have increased checkpoints and patrols from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. on major roads, including Davao-Bukidnon Road, Diversion Road, MacArthur Highway, and coastal road extensions.

Madria added that they are partnering with the LTO, CTTMO, and barangay officials to inspect illegal modification shops, impound altered motorcycles, and disperse pre-race gatherings to prevent future street races.