Mindanaotoday.com |
By: Franck Dick Rosete, Correspondent and Jigger Jerusalem, Associate Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Following a vehicular mishap involving a public utility bus in Bukidnon town Saturday evening, Aug. 13, a transportation company has urged the local government of Manolo Fortich to install street lights and other interventions along the Mangima area to prevent road accidents from happening in the future.
According to a report from the Manolo Fortich municipal police, the bus, owned and operated by Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI), fell into a ravine in Mangima, Barangay Tankulan, of the same town.
A portion of the Mangima area, within the Sayre Highway, with its zigzag lanes and blind curves, is known for vehicular accidents.
The town police said there were 31 passengers on board the RTMI bus, driven by Tommy Magno, and was bound for Davao City from Cagayan de Oro.
Senior Master Sergeant Larie Eco, investigator from the Manolo Fortich police, said some of the passengers sustained minor injuries although no fatality was recorded.
All of the passengers were brought to the nearest healthcare facilities for immediate medical treatment, Eco said.
“The front portion of the bus sustained damages as that was the part that fell to the ground,” Eco said in a phone interview Saturday, August 13.
In a statement, Celer Estologa, RTMI media relations manager, said all the passengers, which include the driver and conductor, are being taken care of.
He said 10 of the passengers who sustained minor injuries were immediately brought to the Manolo Fortich Provincial Hospital, Malaybalay Polymedic Hospital, and Pahilan Doctor’s Hospital for further treatment.
The other passengers had undergone X-Ray and were subsequently sent home by the physicians, he added.
“RTMI is conducting its own investigation regarding this incident so that we can make sure that no other incidents similar to this can happen in the future. 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,” Estologa said.
Based on the initial findings gathered by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-10 (LTFRB-10), the weather condition and the road’s physical feature has contributed to the vehicular accident.
“Initial investigation shows that heavy rain and the bus approaching the blind curve part of the road caused it to [fall],” the LTFRB-10 posted on its Facebook page Sunday afternoon, Aug. 14.
“This office, further, is currently conducting its investigation regarding the incident to see if there are violations of terms and conditions of their franchise,” it added.
Because of what happened, John del Castillo, RTMI-Yacapin branch manager, said it is high time for the municipal government of Manolo Fortich to take appropriate action before another vehicular accident could occur.
“We are urging the local government unit of Manolo to put up solar-powered street lights, including cat’s eyes, to make it safe for motorists that pass through that area,” del Castillo said in an interview Sunday, Aug. 14.
He added concrete barriers along the side of the road will also serve as protection for vehicles.
Del Castillo has also assured that their buses are being regularly checked by the company’s technicians and mechanics before these are allowed to travel.
“Our buses are in top condition and they undergo regular maintenance. Every little detail is being looked into and are fixed right away,” he said.
RTMI, del Castillo said, also has a strict set of rules for its drivers who are required to attend traffic seminars by the LTFRB, Highway Patrol Group, the Land Transportation Office.
“Almost every week, we conduct driving safety seminar for our drivers. Aside from that, before they are cleared, our drivers are subjected to a breath analyzer test to determine if they are fit to drive,” he added.
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