Dimple Star owner says ill-fated bus bought from junk shop

The owner of Dimple Star Transport admitted on Wednesday that the bus that fell of a cliff in Mindoro Occidental was bought from a junk shop.

According to a report by dzBB's Allan Gatus on Balitanghali, Dimple Star owner Hilbert Napat made the disclosure before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) during a hearing on the tragedy that killed 19 on March 20.

Napat was quoted as saying that the bus company bought the unit from a junk shop and rebuilt it with a reconditioned engine. He also admitted having the bus repainted to look new.

The bus with plate number TYU 708 has been operating since 2009.

The poor state of the vehicle was among the factors being looked into after rthe bus fell off a cliff in Barangay Batong Buhay in Sablayan town.

Aside from killing 19 people, the accident also injured at least 21 others.

The owner attributed the poor condition of the buses to their exposure to the sea as Dimple Star buses board ro-ro vessels to cater to inter-island trips.

LTFBRB chair Martin Delgra III, who was "surprised" to hear the explanation.

He said company mechanics should make sure the units were in optimum condition before their journey.

Delgra then presented a photo of the wrecked bus unit and pointed out how rusty it was.

The official also said the tragic bus crash was an example of why the PUV modernization program should be enforced.

The suspension on Dimple Star Transport's franchise has yet to be lifted as of Tuesday's hearing.

Along with the freezing of the bus fleet's operations, Dimple Star's bus units were required to undergo road-worthiness tests, while its drivers and personnel were ordered to undergo road safety seminars and drug testing.

The next hearing is scheduled on May 30. —NB, GMA News