Actor Niño Muhlach admitted that he fell asleep while driving, leading to a road accident in Antipolo City, Rizal, that left one person injured and damaged several establishments.
In an official statement released Monday, August 24, Muhlach clarified earlier reports about the incident and said he was taking full responsibility for what happened.
“The initial information released stating that the crash was caused by mechanical failure was based solely on the preliminary findings of the police investigation, not from my own words,” Muhlach said.
“I want to be completely clear and honest: the accident was entirely my fault,” he added.
Muhlach said he fell asleep behind the wheel due to an “extremely demanding and exhausting schedule.”
He explained that the incident happened on a Sunday, when his regular driver was on a scheduled day off, prompting him to drive himself.
“While fatigue overtook me, that is no excuse. Falling asleep at the wheel led directly to hitting a pedestrian and damaging nearby establishments,” he said.
The accident occurred Sunday along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City, where Muhlach’s SUV crossed to the other side of the road and crashed into three establishments, including a paresan where a man was eating.
The man was injured and was immediately taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Muhlach’s vehicle also struck a motorcycle, which ended up trapped underneath the SUV.
The actor said he was prepared to shoulder the medical expenses of the injured victim and pay for the damage caused to the affected establishments.
“I take full personal and legal responsibility for what happened. My priority right now is ensuring that the affected individual receives all necessary care, support, and medical assistance, and that all damages caused to the properties and establishments are fully compensated and rectified,” he said.
Muhlach also apologized to the victim, the victim’s family, and others affected by the incident.
“I am deeply sorry to the victim, their family, and everyone affected by my negligence. I am fully cooperating with authorities as this matter is being resolved,” he said.
