BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Albee Benitez here temporarily stopped the lending of city government vehicles following the bus tragedy in which a teacher was killed and 37 individuals were injured in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental on June 14.

MAYOR Albee Benitez addresses the people during the 86th Charter Day celebration of Bacolod City on Tuesday, June 18. (Bacolod PIO)
Benitez said on Tuesday, June 18, that he issued two memorandums in relation to the accident to ensure proper safety and prevent putting other people’s lives in danger.
He said that based on initial information that he received, the accident was reportedly caused by a brake fade. He, however, said that he is awaiting the official investigation.
The bus carrying 39 passengers, including 32 teachers, turned on its side due to alleged brake failure while descending a curve part of the road in Barangay Igmaya-an.
The teachers from Paglaum Village Elementary School here came from a team building in San Carlos City and were on their way home when the accident happened.
Benitez said that he instructed the General Services Office (GSO) to check the maintenance and running condition of city government vehicles to ensure they are road worthy.
“This is to ensure that vehicles here are properly maintained,” the mayor said, adding that they want to make sure that such unfortunate event would not happen again.
Benitez ordered a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the tragic accident that killed 42-year-old Arlyn Verde of Murcia, Negros Occidental and ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future.