The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on Ceres Bus Liner after one of its buses fell into a ravine in Hamtic, Antique, killing 17 people.
In a report by Glen Juego on Super Radyo dzBB this Wednesday, LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said that the suspension order issued against Ceres Bus Liner is part of their investigation.
Approximately 15 company buses are covered by the LTFRB order.
Among the things the authorities will investigate is whether Ceres buses have been involved in other accidents in recent years.
Ceres Bus Liner initially said that they were willing to cooperate with the investigation.
“Vallacar Transit, Inc. would like to express its most heartfelt apologies to those who were involved in the incident,” according to the company that manages the Ceres Bus line. “We would also like to send our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families.”
According to VTI, they will provide financial assistance to the victims and their families, and will cover the hospital costs of the injured.
“The management guarantees the riding public that we are taking all the appropriate steps to ensure that our buses are road-worthy and well-maintained,” VTI said.
It appears that 17 people have been confirmed dead, as opposed to the 28 people that Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao first announced this Tuesday night.
3 dead in Surigao del Sur earthquakes
The reported death toll from consecutive magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes in large parts of Mindanao has risen to three, in addition to 48 people injured.
This was announced by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Tuesday night a few days after the earthquakes.
The epicenter of the first and second earthquake was recorded in different parts of Surigao del Sur.
Due to such earthquakes, several fires and landslides were recorded in Davao Region and CARAGA.
“A total of 3,887 damaged houses are reported in Region 10, Region 11, CARAGA,” the NDRRMC said yesterday.
“The estimated cost of damage to infrastructure amounting to Php 4,810,000 was reported in Region 11, CARAGA.”
There are 19 cities and municipalities in CARAGA that are under the state of calamity, reason to implement there automatic price free for basic needs.
P3.93 million worth of aid has already been brought to CARAGA in the form of family food packs and shelter repair kits following the earthquake.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.