DOTr wants PWD attackers arrested

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation has sought the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in going after the attackers of a Precious Grace bus passenger last week.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the Land Transportation Office has suspended the licenses of bus driver Mark Ivann Ramos and conductor Francis Sauro “after they failed to report the assault incident to the special action and intelligence committee for transportation or to the police.”

Dizon, in a post on Facebook, apologized to the passenger and his family for the attack, which the Department of Social Welfare and Development described as inhumane.

The DSWD noted that the video of the assault that has since gone viral on social media clearly showed the distress of the PWD passenger and the aggression of the perpetrators.

Edwin Morata, DSWD crisis intervention program director, said the agency would provide assistance to the PWD.

“There are no excuses for the perpetrators’ beating of the PWD. It is inhumane… He was kicked, punched and electrocuted,” Morata said in a statement.

The PWD has Asperger’s syndrome, his brother told TV 5, and was stressed by the sound of a cell phone of another passenger.

He was seated in the back during the attack. According to earlier reports, the conductor used a taser gun after the PWD refused to get off the bus.

Morata stressed that PWDs are one of the most vulnerable groups in society and are under the stewardship of the State.

“Government is exerting all efforts to ensure that the PWD sector is provided with the needed assistance to help protect their rights and welfare and lead them to development. Violent actions against any member of the sector set us back in achieving our goal of giving them a chance to nation building,” Morata said.

He added that the DSWD is coordinating with authorities in locating the victim so he can be provided with assistance and interventions.

The rights and welfare of persons with disabilities are protected under the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability or Republic Act 7277, which also prohibits any form of discrimination against the sector.