Bus firm summoned over Camarines Sur road crash

MANILA, Philippines — The driver and operator of a bus that figured in a recent vehicular accident in Camarines Sur have been ordered to explain the incident, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

In a show-cause order, the LTFRB directed the operator of the Raymond Transportation to explain in writing why the company’s certificate of public convenience should not be suspended or revoked over the incident.

LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the investigation would allow both the operator and the driver to explain their side.

“I expect them to cooperate because it’s their franchise that is at stake here,” Mendoza said.

The operator was directed to bring with him to the hearing the driver involved in the accident, which occurred on Saturday along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Sigamot, Libmanan town.

As part of the initial investigation, the driver was required to undergo a drug test and road safety seminar, the LTFRB said.

The operator was ordered to bring all records pertaining to the bus’ preventive maintenance.

The LTFRB set the hearing on May 14.

“Failure on your part to appear on the date and time stated herein will be construed as a waiver of your rights to be heard and the case will be decided based on records at hand,” the show-cause order stated.

Mendoza directed the chief of the LTFRB-Bicol to assist the injured passengers in processing their insurance claims.

1 dies in Benguet vehicular mishap

Meanwhile, in Benguet, a person died while seven others were injured when a van rolled over in Tublay town yesterday morning.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-La Trinidad withheld the identities of the victims until after their families are notified.

The lone fatality was declared dead on arrival in a nearby hospital where the injured victims were also taken for treatment.

Probers said the victims were traveling in Sitio Lower Salabao in Barangay Tuel when their Delican van rolled over.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the accident. — Artemio Dumlao