CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A transportation company urged the local government of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon to install road lights and other road signals along a danger zone area in its town following a bus accident.
On Saturday evening, August 13, a passenger bus operated by the Rural Transit Mindanao (RTMI) fell into a ravine in Mangima, Barangay Tankulan.
A portion of the Mangima area, within the Sayre Highway, has been prone to vehicular accidents because of its zigzag lanes and blind curves.
The Manolo Fortich 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. No fatality was recorded, but ten passengers sustained minor injuries.
Because of the incident, RTMI branch manager John del Castillo 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 Monday.
He added concrete barriers along the side of the road will also serve as protection for vehicles.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Region 10 investigated the incident and said “heavy rain [as] the bus approaching the blind curve part of the road caused it to [fall].” The report was posted on the board’s Facebook page Sunday, August 14.
The office said they are further investigating the bus company if it has failed in safety standards.
Del Castillo assured the public that their buses undergo regular maintenance and check before they are allowed to travel.
“Our buses are in top condition and they undergo regular maintenance. Every little detail is being looked into and fixed right away,” he said. They also have a strict set of rules for drivers who are required to attend traffic seminars by the LTFRB, Highway Patrol Group, and the Land Transportation Office.
“Almost every week, we conduct driving safety seminars 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 said.
The RTMI has also taken care of all passengers who were brought to the Manolo Fortich Provincial Hospital, Malaybalay Polymedic Hospital, and Pahilan Doctor’s Hospital for further treatment, a statement from the company’s media relations said.
The company is also conducting their own investigation and assured the public that the “safety and comfort of our passengers is our topmost priority.” (davaotoday.com)
