Palace extends financial aid to Nueva Ecija bus crash victims

Malacañang has extended financial assistance to the families of the victims of the bus crash that occurred in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija last Tuesday that killed at least 34 people. (Photo: Eugene Alvin Villar/Wikipedia)

MANILA—Malacañang has extended financial assistance to the families of the victims of the bus crash that occurred in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija last Tuesday that killed at least 34 people.

In a statement, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) board member and spokesperson, Aileen Lizada said President Rodrigo Duterte has granted financial aid worth PHP20,000 for each casualty and PHP10,000 for those injured.

At least 34, including the driver, were killed when the Leomarick bus traveling from Isabela to Ilocos Sur fell into a ravine in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija last April 18.

Authorities believe that overloading was the cause of the accident as the bus was carrying 77 persons while its capacity was only up to 45 passengers.

The LTFRB has ordered a 30-day preventive suspension against Leonardo Patulot, operator of Leomarick Trans, which operates the Bangued, Abra to Ilagan, Isabela route and vice versa.

The operator was invited to appear in a hearing scheduled on May 2.

Failure to appear before the board on the scheduled hearing shall be considered a waiver on his part and the case will be subject to resolution, according to the LTFRB.