LTFRB finds offenses of bus in fatal accident

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) discovered several violations on the ill-fated bus that crashed Sunday and left six people dead and 17 others injured in Zamboanga del Sur, an official said.

Abdulgafar Moammad, LTFRB regional director, said the findings were a result of the investigation they conducted following the fatal accident at Barangay Anonang in Aurora town about 12:10 p.m. Sunday.

He said their separate investigation was conducted to find out the circumstances of the accident and the possible violations committed by the bus operator Rural transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI).

Mohammad said based on the investigation,  the bus with license plate KWA-252  whose driver Biato Dumpa Jr. tried to evade an incoming vehicle and went out of control before crashing on the ditch.

The accident left six people, including five minors, killed, and 17 injured.

However, Mohammad said further LTFRB investigation revealed that the ill-fated bus has no official receipt, no certificate of registration, and no franchise.

He said the findings of their investigation have been forwarded to the LTFRB national office.

“It is now up to the LTFRB to act on the case whether to impose preventive suspension or cancellation of the bus franchise,” Mohammad added.

He said the same company was also slapped with suspension of operation of its 12 units two months ago following an accident in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay province.

However, Mohammad stressed that the bus company has assisted the vcitims and their families for funeral and hospital expenses in the recent incident.