A 32-year-old rider drowned after the motorcycle he was riding plummeted into a large excavation pit filled with water by the road in Barangay Poblacion, Makilala, Cotabato on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Police said that as shown on CCTV, the rider tried to avoid two road signages placed at a construction site. However, his motorcycle struck a barrier and overshot into the pit, which is part of an ongoing road construction project of the Department of Public Works and Highways-SOCCSKSARGEN (DPWH-12).

The pit is approximately four feet deep.

“Kung makita natin sa CCTV review, ang blinker is talagang makita natin kusa niya itong inilagan at doon sa pangalawang barrier, doon siya nabangga, at yung barriers na buhat ng dalawang tao, talagang natapon. Papunta siya doon sa gikalot nga bangag,” Makilala Municipal Police Station Spokesperson, Chief Master Sergeant Rithce Jala Gesulga, said.

The rider’s body was recovered after residents and a fellow rider who had been following him reported the incident to authorities.

The motorcycle was also pulled out with the help of a heavy equipment.

Authorities said the rider was believed to be under the influence of alcohol at that time.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the rider’s family for a statement, as of this writing.

Police said DPWH-12 is expected to install reflectorized warning signs at the construction area to prevent similar accidents.