Bataan: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday summoned the driver and owner of a mixer truck that rammed multiple vehicles before plunging into a ravine in Bataan. In a statement, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the investigation is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to run after those who compromise road safety.

According to Philippines News Agency, the LTO has issued a show cause order (SCO) against both the driver and the owner of the truck, requiring them to explain why they should not be sanctioned, particularly regarding the roadworthiness of the vehicle. Mendoza stated, “We already issued a show cause order (SCO) against both the driver and the owner of the truck to ask them to explain why they should not be sanctioned, especially on the aspect of always ensuring the roadworthiness of the motor vehicle.”

The truck has been placed under alarm, which prevents any transaction with the agency pending the investigation. In the SCO signed by LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) Chief Renante Melitante, the driver was asked to explain why he should not be penalized for reckless driving and for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

The incident has highlighted the need for regular surprise and random inspections on trucks due to the frequency of road crashes involving such vehicles. However, it is acknowledged that not all trucks can be inspected, and this investigation serves as a warning to vehicle owners about the consequences of failing to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles.

A video that went viral on social media captured the mixer truck ramming vehicles parked alongside the road before hitting an eatery and falling into a ravine in Barangay Bangal in Dinalupihan, Bataan, on August 7. The driver was also seen attempting to maneuver the truck before jumping out of the vehicle.