After accident in Naga: LTFRB suspends mini bus company

CEBU, Philippines – The Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended EDC Liner for 30 days starting yesterday as an aftermath of the road tragedy in Naga City last Saturday that left 14 people dead.

LTFRB regional director Romulo Bernardes said that the preventive suspension order was given to Eladio Colaljo, the owner of the bus company, to pave the way for the investigation of the road mishap involving a mini bus of the company.

Bernardes said that a joint investigation with the Land Transportation Office will commence on Wednesday. 

This will be spearheaded by Atty. Douglas Sanson, LTFRB transport development officer.

Bernardes however refused to comment when asked if the EDC mini bus was at fault in the accident.

He however said it is already very obvious that the said EDC bus was the one which rammed the other vehicle.

Early last Saturday, an EDC mini bus driven by Aladin Law-it rammed a ten-wheeler truck in Tuyan, Naga.

Twelve people died on the spot including Law-it and Hever Alipio, the driver of the truck.

Witnesses said that Law-it was racing with another EDC mini bus when the accident happened. Law-it allegedly tried to overtake the other bus and instead collided with the truck.

Bernardes said that the suspension covers the six remaining buses of EDC that travels from the town of Sibonga to Cebu City.

Last Fatality Identified

An employee of the Naga City government identified the last remaining fatality yesterday.

The fatality was identified as Rey Tampus, 41, of barangay East Poblacion, Naga City. It was the earring that the victim wore that helped lead to his identity.

Tampus was identified by his wife, Dixie, who works in the accounting office of Naga City Hall.

According to city hall employee Joel Matuza, Dixie, did not have any idea on the fate of her husband.

It was only after Rey failed to return and could not be contacted for two days that she began to worry.

Dixie called up the Korean school where Rey worked as cook and was told that he husband has been absent since Saturday.

Accompanied by Matuza, Dixie reluctantly went to the St. Francis Funeral Homes yesterday and identified Rey through his earring as the face of the victim was already beyond recognition.

The victim has a 12-year-old son who is graduating from elementary school today.

The other day, relatives identified the Marvin Bactismo, 24 years old, married, and a resident of Luknay, San Fernando.

Police Action

In order to address the problem, acting Police Regional Director Federico Terte ordered Police Community Relations officer Supt. Noel Gillamac to coordinate with the bus operators for the purpose to put police hotline stickers in every bus so that the passengers can easily report the abusive drivers.

Terte hopes that with a number that the passengers can call, this will allow the authorities to act on the abuses of the bus drivers before any accident happens. — with Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc/NLQ  (THE FREEMAN)