A FOREIGN national died after the Honda XRM he was riding was hit by a Ceres bus along the National Highway in Barangay Malhiao, Badian, at around 10:35 p.m. on Holy Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The victim was identified as Bakhrom Uchkunovich Khamitov, 30, an Uzbek national residing in Sitio Sayor, Barangay Poblacion, Moalboal, Cebu.
According to the Badian Municipal Police Station, Khamitov was driving toward the Poblacion of Badian from Moalboal when he was suddenly struck by a Ceres bus bound for Alegria. The bus was driven by 49-year-old Ramel Gutang Omaya of Purok Proper, Barangay Cabutongan, Santander.
Witnesses said that after being hit, Khamitov was run over by the bus’s wheels, causing fatal head injuries. The bus driver did not stop and continued driving toward Alegria.
Badian police immediately launched a hot pursuit and intercepted the suspect in Alegria. The victim was rushed to Badian District Hospital by personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office but was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Maria Angela Lariz Llames.
Omaya is now in police custody, and charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide are being prepared against him. (AYB)
