Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday suspended the bus fleet of an operator after one of its buses figured in a road crash in Baguio City, which killed one person and injured six passengers. In a statement, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said the suspension of 24 buses owned by the North Genesis Bus Line, Inc. is temporary and aims to determine whether the operator committed any lapses under the rules and regulations of its Certificate of Public Convenience. 'We commit to an impartial and no-nonsense investigation not only because it is our mandate but because it is the life and limb of commuters that are at stake when it comes to public transportation,' Mendoza said.

According to Philippines News Agency, a Genesis bus was traveling along Km. 6 of Marcos Highway in Baguio City on Tuesday when it hit a truck parked along the road. The bus conductor died as a result of the impact, and six people were taken to the hospital for their injuries. In the show cause order issued to Genesis, the LTO ordered mandatory drug testing for all of their drivers and a roadworthiness inspection of all 24 suspended buses. It also directed the bus operator to explain in notarized writing why it should not be sanctioned for hiring a reckless driver.

In the meantime, the license plates of all suspended buses were to be surrendered to ensure compliance with the order. He also ordered regional LTFRB officials to ensure the expedited payment of insurance to the family of the deceased conductor and to all those who were injured.