CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are investigating the bus accident on Sayre Highway, Mangima, Barangay Tankulan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon Saturday, August 13 in which 10 passengers were injured.
RTMI is already conducting an investigation to ensure that no other similar incidents happen in the future, said Celer Estologa, media relations officer, in a statement following the accident.
“We assure our beloved riding public that we are doing our utmost best in making sure that our buses are road worthy. Rest assured that the safety and comfort of our passengers is our topmost priority,” he added.
According to RTMI, 10 passengers sustained minor injuries and taken to Manolo Fortich Provincial Hospital, Malaybalay Polymedic Hospital, and Pahilan Doctor’s Hospital.
Of the injured passengers, only one was admitted to the hospital and the nine others were outpatients. Other passengers had X-rays and have been sent home by doctors.
Thirty-one persons were onboard the bus, including the conductor, said Police Senior Master Sgt. Larie Eco, investigator of the Manolo Fortich police.
In an online post Sunday, August 14, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Northern Mindanao said they are also conducting an investigation to see if the bus company violated the terms and conditions of their franchise.
The bus driven by Tommy Magno of San Andres, Barangay Bunawan, Agusan del Sur was on its way to Davao City from Cagayan de Oro City when the accident happened.
Initial investigation by the Manolo Fortich police said the brakes of the bus malfunctioned while negotiating a descending curved road. Magno lost control of the bus and went straight into a ravine.
The bus sustained severe damages in front and was brought to the Yacapin branch of RTMI here.
RTMI apologized to the families of the passengers and the injured.