THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the leadership of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, has ordered the preventive suspension of five units under Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) following a vehicular crash in Zamboanga del Sur that resulted in the death of two passengers and injury to 28 others.
The LTFRB issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) to RTMI after one of its public utility vehicles (PUVs), bearing plate number ACA 8147, crashed into a tree and plunged into a roadside ditch in Purok 4, Barangay Mahayag, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur on July 10.
The Board directed the operator to submit a verified answer within five (5) days and to attend a hearing set on July 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the LTFRB Regional Office in Cagayan de Oro City.
Failure to comply will result in a resolution based solely on the evidence on record.
“This tragic incident is unacceptable. The LTFRB is acting decisively in line with President Marcos’ directive to uphold commuter safety. We will not tolerate violations that endanger the lives of the riding public,” LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III said.
“We are reminding all operators: your responsibility goes beyond providing transportation, it includes protecting lives. If you fail to meet that duty, your privilege to operate will be withdrawn,” Guadiz emphasized.
Under LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2011-004, accidents resulting in death or serious injury must be reported to the Board within 72 hours.
In this case, the LTFRB has moved to suspend the five units under RTMI’s Certificate of Public Convenience for 30 days.
This action reflects the national government’s firm resolve to take swift and just action against erring operators, in line with the Marcos administration’s directive to prioritize public safety, accountability, and commuter welfare.
The LTFRB reminds all public utility operators to strictly adhere to road safety protocols and to fully support the national agenda of safe, efficient, and reliable public transportation.
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