The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao Region (LTFRB-Davao) has issued a show cause order against Davao Metro Shuttle following a bus fire incident in Mawab, Davao de Oro. The operator is required to explain the incident and submit relevant documents as authorities investigate compliance with public transport safety standards.
Bus Fire Incident Details
The fire occurred on Monday, June 29, around noon, along the national highway in Barangay Tuboran, Mawab. A Davao Metro Shuttle bus bound for New Bataan caught fire while carrying 62 passengers. All passengers, along with the driver and conductor, safely evacuated before the flames spread. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Firefighters, assisted by troops from the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division, contained the blaze after several hours. As of press time, the official cause of the fire has not been determined. Separate investigations by the Bureau of Fire Protection and the LTFRB are ongoing.
LTFRB Investigation and Show Cause Order
LTFRB-Davao Regional Director Nonito A. Llanos III stated that the show cause order is part of a formal investigation to determine the circumstances and assess whether Davao Metro Shuttle complied with vehicle roadworthiness, preventive maintenance, and passenger safety standards before the bus was deployed.
Under the order, Davao Metro Shuttle must submit a written explanation, incident reports, and other pertinent documents. The probe aligns with the Department of Transportation's directive to strengthen regulatory oversight of public utility vehicles and enforce franchise conditions and transport regulations.
"The riding public deserves safe, reliable, and dependable public transportation. Operators must ensure that every unit deployed on the road is properly maintained and fit for public service," Llanos said.
Operator Responsibility and Next Steps
LTFRB-Davao emphasized that public utility vehicle operators are responsible for ensuring each unit is mechanically sound, properly maintained, and compliant with laws and safety regulations. The agency will coordinate with other authorities to establish the exact cause of the fire and determine if violations warrant administrative sanctions.
