The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has launched a full investigation into a fatal road crash in Camarines Sur involving a passenger bus that left at least five people dead.

LTFRB Chairperson Vigor D. Mendoza II said the agency will issue a show cause order (SCO) against the bus company to ensure that all circumstances surrounding the incident are thoroughly examined.

The crash occurred at around 3:25 a.m. on 26 December along the Barangay Magais-I, Del Gallego portion of the Andaya Highway.

“We already received a copy of the police report and it was mentioned there that the driver fell asleep, and this led to the road crash,” Mendoza said.

“So in the hearing, we will go deeper into determining if the proper protocol to ensure the mental and physical readiness of designated drivers were followed in this case,” he added.

Mendoza said the probe is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strictly enforce road safety regulations and hold violators accountable.

Based on the police report, a DLTB bus bearing plate number UYA 479 was traveling from Cubao to Gubat, Sorsogon when it fell off a cliff estimated to be around 10 meters high. Five passengers were killed in the incident, including a 60-year-old woman and another female passenger.

At least 15 individuals, including the driver and an alternate driver, were seriously injured and were taken to a hospital in Tagkawayan, Quezon for treatment.

Initial verification ordered by Mendoza showed that the bus is registered under Del Motor Works Inc. and is covered by a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in 2022, which is set to expire in March next year.

“We will get to the bottom of this case and hold accountable those who must be held responsible,” Mendoza said.

He earlier reminded bus operators to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles and the readiness of their drivers, especially amid the surge of passengers during the Christmas and New Year season.

Meanwhile, Mendoza said the LTFRB will coordinate with the bus company’s insurance provider to expedite the release of insurance payments for the victims.