ANA MARIE TASIC
In a sorrowful turn of events, a girl from Sikatuna (not a participant) had passed away following a vehicular accident involving a rider from the Bohol Loop event.
The incident occurred on March 23, 2024, in Poblacion, Sikatuna, and despite medical efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
Social media reports said Ana Marie Tasic’s death became a clarion call for the Capitol to put an end to the death-courting motorcycle tours in Bohol.
According to local law enforcement, the accident took place when the Bohol Loop participant, identified as a resident of Cagayan de Oro City, collided with Tasic, a Grade 10 student from Barangay Badiang, Sikatuna, Bohol, as she was attempting to cross the street on her motorcycle.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that Tasic, having observed a group of Bohol Loop motorcyclists pass by, believed it was safe to proceed.
However, as she initiated her turn, another motorcyclist from the event unexpectedly collided with her, leading to the tragic outcome.
Boholanos mourn the tragic death of Tasic, whose life was cut short by this unfortunate event.
Netizens described Tasic as a sacrificial lamb for the Bohol government to come to its sense how dangerous this event to the lives of the Boholanos.
END OF THE ROAD
In a decisive move, Governor Erico “Aris” Aumentado of Bohol has declared that the Bohol Loop mototourism event will not be permitted next year.
This announcement comes in the wake of Tasic’s death and of the event’s disruption to local residents and concerns over road safety.
The Bohol Loop 2024, a 600-kilometer motorcycle tour designed to boost tourism, spanned from March 22 to March 24.
While the event was not competitive, aiming instead to promote safe riding, it has been marred by several accidents, including one that tragically resulted in the death of a young woman from Sikatuna.
In his podcast, “Takna sa Gobernador,” aired on March 24, Governor Aumentado expressed his concerns. “I’ve seen the hassle it caused when I joined the ride. Despite the rules for a relaxed pace, some participants recklessly sped, causing uncontrollable situations,” he stated.
“Given that we’ve supported this event as part of our tourism program, I regret to say that we cannot allow it to continue next year if requested.”
The governor acknowledged the positive intentions of many participants but noted that the actions of a few who disregarded the event’s core values of safety and leisure have led to this decision.
He cited instances of excessive speed, highlighted by a vlogger’s video showing a speedometer reading of 100 kph, as evidence of the event’s deviation from its intended spirit.
“I am concerned for the safety of our people,” Aumentado added. “With the additional noise and disruption from another cycling event, I must apologize to my fellow Boholanos for the inconvenience caused and assure them that such events will not be sanctioned in the future.”
The governor’s statement reflects a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of Bohol’s residents over tourism events that compromise safety and public order.
SENATOR JV EJERCITO
Senator JV Ejercito has pledged to reinforce safety protocols in moto-tourism events in light of a recent tragedy.
On March 26, 2024, he addressed the fatal accident involving a participant of the Bohol Loop and a local girl from Sikatuna.
“The loss of Ana Marie Tasic is a profound tragedy. We are dedicated to bolstering safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” stated Senator Ejercito.
Ana Marie Tasic, a high school student, succumbed to her injuries after an accident during the Bohol Loop event. The senator expressed his condolences to her family and emphasized the importance of life.
While acknowledging the organizers’ efforts to ensure safety, Ejercito admitted the challenges in managing individual behaviors during such events.
He also highlighted the purpose of the Bohol Loop, organized by Philippine Motorcycle Tourism and the Department of Tourism, to promote Bohol’s beauty and bring joy through celebrity involvement. The senator’s commitment to safety aims to preserve the event’s integrity while safeguarding the community.