The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday said it has issued a show cause order (SCO) to the truck driver involved in a fatal road crash in Luna, Isabela, which claimed the lives of three individuals.

Based on an earlier police report, the incident occurred when a dump truck rammed into a passenger jeepney traveling on the opposite lane along the Santiago-Cauayan national road in Barangay Mambabangga on Wednesday.

Due to the strong impact, the jeepney overturned, throwing some passengers out of the vehicle and causing its roof to detach.

According to the SCO, the truck driver is facing accusations of traffic violations, including reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. The driver has been given three days to explain why his driver’s license should not be suspended or revoked.

The LTO said failure to submit an explanation will be considered a waiver of the respondent’s right to be heard, and the case will be resolved based on the evidence in the agency’s possession.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacalinao assured the public that the driver would be held accountable if the investigation finds him guilty of the violations.

He also reminded motorists to exercise caution and strictly follow traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

“Ang kaligtasan sa kalsada ay isang responsibilidad ng lahat ng gumagamit ng daanan. Hindi tayo magpapahintulot na ang mga paglabag sa batas trapiko na nagdudulot ng malubhang pinsala at pagkawala ng buhay ay mababalewala. Hinihikayat din natin ang lahat ng driver na laging maging maingat at sumunod sa mga regulasyon para maiwasan ang mga ganitong trahedya,” Lacalinao said.

On Wednesday, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II ordered a probe into the incident and directed the immediate release of insurance payments to the victims.

“On behalf of the men and women of the LTFRB, we extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the victims who lost their lives as a result of this unfortunate incident,” Mendoza said.

“We know that life cannot be replaced and no amount of assistance can take away the pain of losing a family member but all we can do right now is to ensure that the rights of the victims for insurance payment are protected and expedited,” he added.