LTFRB Suspends Bus Franchise Following Fatal Crash
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended the franchise of five buses from a company involved in a tragic road crash in Zamboanga del Sur. This accident claimed the lives of two passengers and left dozens more injured. The LTFRB acted swiftly to enforce commuter safety after the incident.
The five bus units under Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) have been suspended for 30 days. RTMI is part of a well-known bus group operating in the region. The LTFRB also issued a show cause order to the company’s manager, requiring their attendance at a hearing scheduled for July 15 at the regional office in Pagadian City. They must explain why their franchise should not be suspended or revoked.
Driver’s License Suspended Amid Investigation
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has placed the driver involved, Junry Pones Polistico, under a 90-day preventive suspension of his license. The LTO also issued a show cause order demanding an explanation to prevent cancellation of his license due to alleged reckless driving and operating a vehicle improperly, violating sections of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Brake Failure Causes Deadly Crash
Reports indicate that the RTMI bus, with plate number ACA 8147, lost its brakes while descending a road in Barangay Mahayag, Dumingag town, on July 10. Attempting to negotiate a curve, the driver miscalculated the turn, causing the bus to crash into a roadside ditch.
At the time, the bus carried 40 passengers, including 29 students from St. Joseph College in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. These students were Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets on their way to an Advanced ROTC graduation ceremony in Pagadian as part of the National Service Training Program (NSTP).
Tragic Loss and Community Response
One of the passengers, Roy Bermudez, a second-year criminology student, died instantly. He was due to celebrate his 19th birthday in August. “This tragic incident is unacceptable,” said the LTFRB chair. “We are acting decisively to uphold commuter safety as directed by the President. Operators must understand their duty to protect lives, or their franchise will be revoked.”
Meanwhile, St. Joseph College of Sindangan is coordinating with RTMI and the Armed Forces to provide support, including financial aid and counseling, to injured students. The institution also asks the public to pray for the recovery of all passengers and the eternal rest of those who died, especially their promising ROTC cadet.
The LTFRB and LTO continue their investigations to ensure accountability and prevent future tragedies. For more news and updates on road safety, visit Filipinokami.com.
