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Mural in memory of G.V. Florida bus crash victims taken down over ‘grave threats’


The survivors and families of the victims of the fatal G.V. Florida Transport bus crash have taken down a mural near the bus line's terminal in Manila due to "grave threats."

The families and survivors said in a statement Thursday that "due to grave threats received on the safety and well-being of people involved in this peaceful expression of loss, grief, and hope, we will be bringing the mural panels down to avoid any untoward incident that may be brought about by people who do not understand what these art works are about."

The artwork entitled "Every Bus is A Bus Full of Dreamers" was painted on July 6 to commemorate the Bontoc bus crash last February.

Fifteen people, including comedian Arvin "Tado" Jimenez, visual artist Gerard Baja, and musician David Sicam, died when a G.V. Florida bus fell down a ravine in Bontoc, Mt. Province. The accident also left 32 others wounded.

The mural had been installed near the bus company's bus terminal in Sampaloc, Manila.

This is second mural that the artist friends of the victims painted. The first one was taken down without their consent.

"If there are people who see it as a threat in any way, then it is unfortunate that they are missing the message," the statement which was posted on the Facebook page of the group Dakila Philippines said.

G.V. Florida's buses have been plying the streets again after the Court of Appeals lifted a six-month suspension ordered by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

LTRFB is elevating the case to the Supreme Court.

"We will find another place for it. If there is anyone who would like to host them for the time being wherein they will be prominently displayed, that will be welcomed," Dakila said. — Rouchelle R. Dinglasan/JDS, GMA News

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