• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) said it has extended financial assistance of P10,000 each to the bereaved families of the seven fatalities in the June 27 vehicular accident in Silay City.
This as the Land Transportation Office in Region 6 served a show-cause order (SCO) on Hernane Masa, 30, the driver of the ill-fated mini-dump truck registered to the city government of Silay.
The SCO, signed by LTO-E.B. Magalona District chief Reuben Tampos and approved by regional director Gaudioso Geduspan II, ordered Masa to submit a written explanation in five calendar days to the LTO Regional Office VI’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit in Iloilo City, agency said in a press release July 4.
Failure to respond will be deemed a waiver of his right to be heard, allowing the LTO to resolve the case based on existing evidence, the agency added.
The 23 truck occupants came from a tree-planting activity when the vehicle’s brakes allegedly failed. It swerved, struck a concrete barrier along Sitio San Juan on C.L. Ledesma National Highway, and overturned, ejecting several passengers, the LTO said.
The police earlier reported that Alexander Balili, 62; Rafael Jardiolin Jr., 57; Eldie Naguita, 65; Azucena Dimson, 52; and Jerson Leonillo, 38, died on the spot, while Marlon Amarado, 36; and Jayme Bangis, 60, succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
The LTO cited sections 18, 32, and 48 of Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which require vehicles to display valid number plates, mandate the exercise of due care, and prohibit reckless driving.
LTO assistant regional director Jeck Conlu also emphasized that strict compliance with vehicle maintenance and licensing regulations is vital to ensuring passenger safety on the region’s roads.
Meanwhile, the DSWD-NIR said the cash aid distributed to the families of the seven fatalities was sourced from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to help address the immediate needs and ease the financial burden brought by the tragedy. | CGC
