MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended for 30 days the operations of 24 buses of North Genesis Bus Line, Inc. following a road crash in Baguio City that left at least two people dead and several others injured.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the preventive suspension would remain in effect while authorities investigated possible violations of the conditions of the company's Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).
"We commit to an impartial and no-nonsense investigation not only because it is our mandate but because it is the life and limb of commuters that are at stake when it comes to public transportation," Mendoza said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The accident involved a North Genesis passenger bus that crashed along Kilometer 6 of Marcos Highway in Baguio City early Tuesday morning.
Based on initial reports, the bus was traveling toward Baguio when it collided with a truck parked along the roadside. Two passengers died after becoming trapped inside the bus, while at least six others sustained injuries.
The LTFRB issued a show-cause order directing the bus company to explain why it should not face sanctions for allegedly employing a reckless driver.
The board also ordered the mandatory drug testing of all the company's drivers and required roadworthiness inspections for the 24 suspended buses.
To ensure compliance with the suspension order, the LTFRB directed the company to surrender the license plates of all affected units.
Mendoza also instructed regional LTFRB officials to monitor the prompt release of insurance benefits to the families of the fatalities and to passengers injured in the crash.
He urged public utility vehicle operators and drivers to prioritize road safety, stressing that the trust of passengers must be matched by safe and responsible transport services.
