LTFRB summons Victory Liner over bus shooting

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned Victory Liner Inc. over the fatal shooting of two bus passengers in Nueva Ecija early this week.

The LTFRB said a show-cause order was issued to determine if there was negligence on the part of the bus company to provide security measures.

Victory Liner will be made to explain why its franchise should not be revoked or canceled.

”The issuance of a show-cause order will help us determine the proper resolution of the incident,” LTFRB spokesperson Celine Pialago said in a statement.

The hearing was set on Nov. 21. The LTFRB said failure to attend would be considered a waiver of the bus company to be heard on the case.

Gloria Quillano, 60, and her partner Arman Bautista, 55, were sleeping in the front seats of the bus when two unidentified men who emerged from the rear shot them at close range as the bus traversed Barangay Minuli in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said police are doing their best to arrest the killers.

Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia said security should be tightened at bus terminals as assailants and robbers can easily board buses.

Arrogancia said the PNP and Department of the Interior and Local Government should coordinate with mayors and bus firms to designate a network of bus stops where police and village watchmen will conduct security checks on commuters and their baggage.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said dashcams in buses may help identify criminals, but do not deter crimes.

Rep. Aldred de los Santos of Ang Probinsyano party-list urged the public to coordinate with the police if they have information about the killers of Quillano and Bautista.