Road Accident Claims Lives of 2 Criminology Students Before Thesis Defense
DAVAO DEL NORTE – Two young criminology students, Neil Lasaca and James Magapang, both 21 years old, tragically lost their lives in a motorcycle accident in Purok 3, Barangay Buklad, Tagum City. They were reportedly on their way to assist their group with preparations for their thesis defense, a crucial milestone in their college journey.
Their sudden silence in the group chat raised concerns among friends. When both stopped responding, worry quickly turned into fear. It was later confirmed that the accident had occurred early in the morning, and authorities believe they may have lost control of the motorcycle while heading home. Unfortunately, no one witnessed the incident.
The crash site remained unnoticed for several days. It was only when residents and motorists detected a foul odor in the area that they investigated and discovered the bodies of Neil and James, already in an advanced stage of decomposition.
Their unexpected passing has left their families, friends, and school community in deep sorrow. What makes the tragedy even more heartbreaking is that the two students were just steps away from reaching a major goal in their lives. They were hardworking and dedicated young men who dreamed of completing their studies and serving the community through their chosen profession.
Meanwhile, as of early 2025, motorcycle accidents continue to be a serious concern in the Philippines, particularly due to the increasing number of riders and congested roads. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recorded 4,068 motorcycle crashes in Metro Manila — a clear indicator of the risks motorcyclists face in urban areas.
On a national scale, data from the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) showed that motorcycles were involved in over 15,000 of the 31,000 total road crashes reported throughout 2024. Tragically, these incidents claimed 2,747 lives, underscoring the severity of the situation and the urgent need for stronger road safety measures across the country.
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