Two injured in Bontoc bus tragedy to be airlifted to Manila

Two passengers who were seriously injured in a deadly bus accident in Mountain Province Friday are to be airlifted to a medical facility in Metro Manila, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Saturday.

In its Saturday morning update, the NDRRMC said the Office of Civil Defense in Cordillera is coordinating with the Philippine Air Force for the airlifting.

While the NDRRMC did not name the victims to be airlifted, it said arrangements were being made to bring them to Villamor Air Base.

As of Friday, the injured passengers were brought to Bontoc General Hospital and Luis Hora Hospital.

Investigation showed the Florida tourist bus (TXT-872) fell into a ravine while heading to Bontoc. At least 14 passengers were killed and 32 injured. Among the casualties are comedian Arvin "Tado" Jimenez, musician David Sicam, artist Gerard Baja, and Solar News Creative Head Bam Morillo.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has suspended 228 units of GV Florida Tours and 10 units of Mt. Province Cable Tours following the accident, radio dzBB reported.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said this means GV Florida cannot operate its line from Manila to Sagada via Bontoc. — VC, GMA News