By Jennifer P. Rendon
Twenty-eight-year-old Mica Marie Servano was one of those who survived the Ceres Bus mishap in Hamtic, Antique on Dec. 5.
Jose Glenn “Jayvon” Fandagani, the bus’s line inspector, reportedly shielded Servano from the impact as the bus plunged into a 30-meter-deep ravine at Barangay Igbucagay.
Servano, a teacher from Barangay Fatima, Tobias Fornier, Antique, said Fandagani embraced her as the bus fell off the cliff.
While Servano only sustained non-life-threatening injuries, the bus inspector was not as lucky.
Police confirmed that Fandagani, 36, a resident of Barangay 8, San Jose, Antique, was one of the 17 persons who perished during the incident.
Last January 2023, the father of two celebrated his 10th year at the Vallacar Transit Inc.
Aside from Fandagani, the incident also claimed the lives of the bus driver Ricky Serios, 39, of Igtogas, Tobias Fornier, Antique, and bus conductor Wilmar Marcelino.
Police reports cited inspector on duty Jaybe Burdago as one of the fatalities.
VOLUNTARY SUSPENSION
Following the incident, Vallacar Transit, Inc. (VTI) released a press statement relative to the incident involving one of its buses.
In an announcement, VTI “decided to voluntarily suspend all operations of the 12 remaining units under the franchise involving Case No. 11-VI-021-AK pending investigation, wherein the bus involved in the incident had been a part of.”
The move was done in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 6.
“VTI has reported the incident to the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board immediately, and is willing to cooperate with any investigations they will be conducting.”
The VTI’s statement started by asking for apologies to those who were involved in the incident.
“We would also like to send our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families,” it added.
The bus was on its way to Culasi, Antique from Iloilo when it fell off a ravine.
Vallacar cited that the Igbucagay is known as an accident-prone area, with numerous vehicles falling off the cliff in the past.
The management claimed that VTI’s Branch, Admin, and Maintenance Managers, Operations Personnel, Liaison Officers, and nurses from both the West and East branches were immediately dispatched to the location of the incident to assist the victims.
Meanwhile, VTI has assured that they will be providing financial assistance to the passengers and their families, as well as shouldering the medical and burial expenses.
“The management has assigned personnel to be on standby at the hospital for further updates and assistance.”
Further, “rest assured that we are doing everything that we can to make sure that this is being handled properly and carefully.”
“The management guarantees the riding public that we are taking all the appropriate steps to ensure that our buses are road-worthy and well-maintained.”
HOW ABOUT THE COMMUTERS?
VTI’s decision to voluntarily suspend its operation is nothing short of a knee-jerk reaction, Gov. Rhodora Cadiao said.
“What will happen to our commuters kay sila na man lang ang bus line diri sa area (They are the only bus liner in this area)?” she quipped.
If VTI wants to suspend the operation of their 12 buses servicing the said route, they could send brand new buses, she added.
Instead of passing the mountain roads, Cadiao said they could take the coastal road although it would have a difference in the travel time.
Meanwhile, Colonel Rogelio Abran, Antique police chief, said he would talk to the LTFRB if Vallacar’s decision had its approval.
