Niño Muhlach admits dozing off while driving, takes responsibility for crash in Antipolo

Actor Niño Muhlach admitted that he fell asleep while driving, causing the vehicular accident along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City, Rizal on Sunday, Aug. 23.

In an Instagram post, Muhlach clarified that he had not previously issued a personal statement about the incident and that the initial information attributing the crash to mechanical failure came from preliminary police findings.

“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 because of an “extremely demanding and exhausting schedule.” He explained that his regular driver was on his scheduled day off because the accident happened on a Sunday, so he was driving himself.

“While fatigue overtook me, that is no excuse,” he said. “Falling asleep at the wheel led directly to hitting a pedestrian and damaging nearby establishments.”

According to reports, the SUV driven by Muhlach crossed into the opposite lane and crashed into several establishments along Marcos Highway. A pedestrian was injured in the incident, while a motorcycle was also struck and ended up underneath the SUV.

Muhlach said he was taking full responsibility for what happened, including ensuring that the injured individual received the necessary care and that property damage was compensated.

“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.

He also apologized to the injured person, their family, and others affected by the accident.

“I am deeply sorry to the victim, their family, and everyone affected by my negligence,” Muhlach said, adding that he was cooperating with authorities as the matter was being resolved.

Muhlach is a veteran Filipino actor who began his career as a child star in the 1970s. He was dubbed the Child Wonder of the Philippines and went on to star in numerous films and television projects throughout his career