The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday ordered the suspension of the Southern Star Bus Transit Inc. unit which figured in an accident on February 1.

This was bared by Land Transportation Office (LTO) Tagbilaran registrar Erwin Patalinghug during the joint meeting of the Provincial Board’s (PB) committees on public utilities and public safety.

According to Patalinghug, a 30-day suspension was imposed on the Hino brand unit of the bus firm with plate number ABL-6521 which was in an accident that caused the death of Rose Perez Balongga, 32.

The suspension order was issued on February 7 as approved by LTFRB-7 director Ahmed Cuizon.

LTFRB officials ordered the grounding of the vehicle which will be inspected and will undergo a road worthiness test through the LTO-Motor Vehicle Inspection System.

Meanwhile, the bus’s driver during the incident, Luciano Tiu Jr., 45, will be subjected to a drug test.

Following the four accidents involving Southern Star buses in 2017, more units of the bus firm are likely to be suspended, said Patalinghug.

The joint meeting at the PB’s conference room was joined by provincial board members Ricky Masamayor, Abeleon Damalerio, and Victort Balite.

Also present during the meeting were Insp. David Niluag of the Bohol Provincial Office and Southern Star’s administrative manager Fritzie Labastilla and lawyer Atty. Jodel Cabahug.

On February 1, the said Southern Star unit allegedly sideswiped the motorcycle driven by American Mark Wilkins who had Balongga as passenger.

The impact caused the motorcycle to crash and Balongga to be thrown away from the motorcycle and run over on the stomach by the bus causing her death. (Rey Tutas)