The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced Sunday that it has summoned the operator of a passenger bus that caught fire on the South Luzon Expressway.

The incident occurred Friday afternoon along the southbound lane of the expressway in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, when a bus operated by Alpha The Bus Inc. caught fire.

"This is an unfortunate incident that compromised the safety of not only the passengers but also the other road users," acting LTFRB chairperson Greg Pua Jr. said.

"Just like everyone, we also want to know what really happened, and the investigation that we will conduct will focus on whether or not there are lapses on the part of the bus company," he added.

The regulatory agency issued a show-cause order Saturday directing the transport firm to explain the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

The board set a formal hearing for 10 September, where company representatives are expected to present documents and address potential safety lapses.

Regulators stated that the proceedings will focus on whether the company breached the terms of its certificate of public convenience, which mandates passenger safety standards. The agency also directed the bus driver and conductor to attend the hearing to provide testimony.

Under the show-cause order, the operator has three days from receipt of the directive to explain why its franchise should not be suspended or revoked.