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Senators call for end to BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge if stricter guidelines are not implemented

Victoria Tulad

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - If stricter guidelines cannot be implemented for the Boss Ironman Motorcycle Challenge, then it should be stopped and banned.This was the call of Senator Raffy Tulfo during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Tourism on the implementation of safety standards on motorcycle tourism initiatives and endurance rides.Traffic violations and crashes were reported during the 2026 Mindanao Cup from January 31 to February 1. One rider died after crashing into a tricycle and injuring its driver and passengers.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/5/lto-recommends-suspension-of-boss-ironman-motorcycle-challenge-1624" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LTO recommends suspension of Boss Ironman Motorcycle Challenge</a></div>Tulfo insisted that a seven-year-old also died, but the Highway Patrol Group and the local government of Bukidnon said this is an unverified report. “Kung hindi natin maipatupad ang mga stricter guidelines na ito, we should stop and ban this activity. Kung paulit-ulit lang itong mauwi sa peligro at trahedya, tigilan na ‘to,” Tulfo said on Monday.Senator JV Ejercito, chairman of the committee, said that while he is pleased with the growth of the riding community, there should be no injuries or fatalities.“As a rider myself, of course sabi ko nga, natutuwa ako dumadami na, ang camaraderie okay po yan. Kaya lang, I agree with you Senator Tulfo, that we cannot afford to have fatalities every year or injuries,” Ejercito said.“Kung ipagpapatuloy, kailangan zero fatality na. Pero kung hindi man, kung hindi mapapangako, I agree with Senator Tulfo kailangan na talagang itigil to. Hindi tayo puwedeng maging perwisyo,” he added.Present during the hearing were representatives of the BMW Owners Society of Saferiders, Inc. (BOSS), organizer of the Boss Ironman.Henry Tolentino, BOSS President, said they secured all necessary permits.They also mentioned that the endurance ride carried a symbolic meaning.“The BIMC did not merely pass through BARMM, it passed through history. It demonstrated in visible and undeniable form that areas once defined by conflict are now accessible, organized and capable of hosting nationally coordinated activities,” said Atty. Mimbalawag Mangutara, Jr., member of the organization.Tulfo remarked, “Ang pagpapalago ng turismo ay hindi dapat nangangahulugang suwayin ang mga batas trapiko at balewalain ang safety ng ibang tao. Ang pagpapatibay ng pagkakaibigan ay hindi dapat dinadaan sa pasikatan at payabangan. Higit sa lahat, ang pagtulong sa kapwa ay hindi dapat nauuwi sa trahedya – walang dapat nasusugatan at lalong lalo na walang dapat namamatay.”  Tulfo also inquired about the earnings from the endurance challenge, saying organizers collected P12 million from registration in 2024.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/13/boss-ironman-riders-appear-before-lto-over-multiple-alleged-violations-1523">Boss Ironman riders appear before LTO over multiple alleged violations</a></div>According to Tolentino, they spent this on their setup such as the stage, rider insurance, and charity, among others.He assured lawmakers that they will iron out all necessary arrangements if the BOSS Ironman is allowed next year.“Kami po sa BOSS talaga pong napakasakit sa amin na mayroong isang namatay na rider. It’s very unfortunate. Hindi namin inaasahan. Akala namin kasi na sa dalawang taon na nawala yung Ironman, ginawa na namin lahat ng kaya naming gawin,” Tolentino told the committee.“Talagang we really need to sit down, first with the LTO, with the PNP, with Tourism Board, lahat po siguro ng concerned agencies,” he added. (11:53) “Kung papayagan pa kami na ituloy ito, I will guarantee, or the next Board will guarantee with all government agencies talagang naka-focus sa motorcycle tourism.”

“Kung hindi natin maipatupad ang mga stricter guidelines na ito, we should stop and ban this activity. Kung paulit-ulit lang itong mauwi sa peligro at trahedya, tigilan na ‘to,” Tulfo said on Monday.

“Kung hindi natin maipatupad ang mga stricter guidelines na ito, we should stop and ban this activity. Kung paulit-ulit lang itong mauwi sa peligro at trahedya, tigilan na ‘to,” Tulfo said on Monday.

Tulfo calls for end to BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge if stricter guidelines not implemented

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Tulfo calls for end to BOSS Ironman Motorcycle Challenge if stricter guidelines not implemented

Victoria Tulad,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 23, 2026 06:15 PM PHT

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LTO

Land Transportation Office

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Boss Ironman Motorcycle Challenge

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