Zambo bus firm has other violations, says LTFRB

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has found several violations committed by the operator of the bus that crashed into a ditch in Zamboanga del Sur last Sunday, leaving six people dead and 17 others injured.

Lawyer Abdulgafar Mohammad, LTFRB regional director, said the violations were uncovered in their investigation following the fatal accident involving a unit of Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) in Barangay Anonang, Aurora town last Sunday afternoon.

Mohammad said based on their investigation the RTMI bus with license plate KWA-252 and driven by Biato Dumpa Jr. tried to evade an incoming vehicle and went out of control, sending it crashing into the ditch. Five of the six fatalities were minors.

Mohammad said further LTFRB investigation showed that the ill-fated bus had no official receipt, certificate of registration and franchise, and was operating out of line.

He said their findings have been forwarded to the LTFRB national office.

“It is now up to the LTFRB to act on the case, whether to impose preventive suspension or cancellation of the bus franchise,” he said.

Mohammad said 12 units of RTMI were suspended two months ago following another accident in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

He said the bus company has attended to the needs of the victims of the Zamboanga del Sur accident.