UNDER INVESTIGATION. An officer of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Northern Mindanao inspects a bus unit of Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. on Sunday (Aug. 14, 2022). The 10 passengers sustained injuries after the bus, coming from Cagayan de Oro City enroute to Davao City, fell off a ravine in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon the night before. (Photo courtesy of LTFRB-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board- Northern Mindanao (LTFRB-10 Northern Mindanao) has summoned the officials of a bus company after one of its units fell off a ravine amid heavy rains along the Mangima zigzag road in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on Saturday night.
All 10 passengers of the Rural Tours bus of Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc (RTMI), with body number 2821, were taken to Manolo Fortich Provincial Hospital, Malaybalay Polymedic Hospital, and Pahilan Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
The bus came from Cagayan de Oro City and was enroute to Davao City when the accident happened at a blind curve at about 6:40 p.m., according to a report by LTFRB-10 on Sunday.
"This office has already sent inspectors to RTMI, Yacapin Branch to talk to its branch manager. This office is currently conducting its investigation regarding the incident to see if there are violations of the terms and conditions of their franchise," the LTFRB-10 statement read.
The passengers were assisted by the 52nd Engineer Brigade and Manolo Fortich Rescue team.
Only one among the 10 passengers had to be confined, according to LTFRB-10 Director Amenoden Guro.
In a separate statement, RTMI media relations officer Celer Estologa issued an apology.
"All the passengers, driver and conductor are being taken care of," he assured.
Estologa said the company is conducting its own investigation to avoid a repeat of the incident.
"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 are our topmost priority," he said. (PNA)
