LTFRB suspends franchise after 4 die in Samar crash

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region VIII has imposed a 30-day preventive suspension on all units under a transport franchise involved in a fatal road collision in Basey, Samar on 10 February.

In a ruling released Wednesday through a social media post, Regional Director Gualberto N. Gualberto said the suspension may be extended as the investigation remains ongoing.

The incident claimed the lives of four individuals.

The LTFRB also ordered drivers under the concerned franchise to undergo drug testing at Department of Health-accredited facilities and to attend a road safety seminar on safe driving practices.

All units registered under the franchise have been summoned for inspection to determine roadworthiness and mechanical fitness for continued road service.

The board confirmed that the operator has coordinated with the victims and the families of those who died to extend support and financial assistance.

The LTFRB added that insurance claims will be processed for all victims under the Philippine Passenger Accident Management Insurance, subject to company guidelines.

Regional officials said further investigations and inspections of safety protocols have been ordered to help prevent similar incidents in the future.