• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The management of Vallacar Transit Inc. lauded its four employees for saving the lives of two passengers, a teacher and a pregnant woman, at the expense of their own in the Antique accident Dec. 5.
According to the bus company, the four bus personnel, driver Ricky Serios, fare collector Wilmar Marcelino, Line Inspectors Jevy Bordago and Jose Glenn Fandagani, died while saving the two passengers.
The accident in Hamtic, Antique, claimed the lives of 15 passengers and the four VTI employees.
In a statement, VTI said that while it mourned the loss of its four employees, it is proud and consoled with the thoughts that their actions were worthy of emulation in saving the lives of a teacher and a pregnant passenger.
“They have chosen to save the lives of the passengers even at the expense of their own”, the statement read.
The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board has issued a preventive suspension order on the franchise of 12 VTI passenger buses, a decision that was welcomed by the management.
The company assured the riding public it has sufficient number of buses available to transport them safely and comfortably to their respective destinations.
Jade Marquez, VTI media relations officer, said Thursday that the 10 other bus passengers, as well as a pedestrian, who was also injured in the accident, are now in stable condition.
The injured passengers and the pedestrian are presently being treated at Iloilo Western Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital, and Angel Salazar Medical Hospital in San Jose, Antique.
VTI also established “Ceres Help Desks” in the four hospitals and in Hamtik Police Station, Antique, where its employees have been deployed to assist in the release of medical needs and extension of financial support to the families of the victims.
The management of the bus company also appealed for humane consideration from the public to refrain from posting, sharing, or entertaining fake videos and pictures of the accident.
“These fake videos and pictures are adding an emotional toll to the families who are grieving the great loss of their loved ones”, a statement from VTI said. | GB
