LTFRB will not suspend Partas franchise over deadly Agoo mishap

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will not impose a temporary franchise suspension on Partas Bus over Monday morning's accident that claimed the lives of 20 people in Agoo, La Union.

According to a News TV Live report, the LTFRB reached this decision based on spot reports by police indicating that the jeep that collided with the bus abruptly swerved into its lane.

The LTFRB will, however, look for a way for Partas to offer the family of the victims aid even if the bus company is not obligated to offer compensation for the accident.

Diosdado Magpili, officer of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said in an interview on GMA News TV's Balitanghali that based on information from responders, the head-on collision happened when the jeep was overtaking a third vehicle.

"It looks like, allegedly, nag-overtake... kumuha ng linya itong jeep... at sinalubong talaga itong bus," Magpili said.

Chief Inspector Roy Villanueva said in another interview on Balitanghali that the jeep swerved to the opposite lane to overtake a vehicle ahead of it but crashed into the bus instead.

The occupants of the jeep were headed for Our Lady of Manaoag church to catch an early-morning Christmas Mass. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News