Bus firm complying with LTFRB suspension following Antique mishap
BACOLOD CITY – The management of Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) is now processing the necessary documents in compliance with the requirements of the 90-day preventive suspension issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday, December 6, in connection with the accident involving a Ceres Bus that plunged into a ravine and killed 17 individuals in Barangay Igbucay, Hamtic, Antique on Tuesday, December 5.
According to the LTFRB, the suspension order covers a total of 15 buses approved to operate in the province.
In a press statement on Thursday, December 7, the bus firm said that it welcomes the suspension and assured the riding public in Antique that sufficient number of units are available to transport them safely and comfortably.
Prior to the suspension, VTI voluntarily suspended the operations of the 12 remaining units and said they are willing to cooperate with any investigation that the LTFRB will be conducting.
The accident involving bus No. 6289 with 24 passengers on board happened while it was on its way to Culasi, Antique from Iloilo.
VTI is establishing a Ceres Help Desk at the Iloilo Western Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, and Angel Salazar Medical Hospital in San Jose, Antique, and Hamtic Police Station, Antique, to provide assistance to the families and the victims.
It said that injured passengers are currently admitted to these hospitals and are now in stable condition.
Ceres employees have been deployed to assist in the release of medical needs and extension of financial support to the families of the victims.
They are also reaching out to families of the deceased who have not yet availed of assistance.
VTI is mourning the loss of its four employees.
Despite this, the bus firm said that they are proud and consoled by the thought that bus driver Ricky Serios, bus conductor Wilmar Marcelino, and line inspectors Jevy Bordago and Jose Glenn Fandagani were worthy of emulation in saving the lives of a teacher and a pregnant passenger.
They have chosen to save the lives of the passengers even at the expense of their own, VTI said.
VTI appealed to the public to refrain from posting, sharing, and or entertaining fake videos and pictures of the accident.
These are adding to the emotional toll of families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones, VTI said.