The Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board-Northern Mindanao (LTFRB-10) has allowed a bus company to continue implementing the so-called “tabo system” at the landslide site in Quezon, Bukidnon.

After the LTFRB-10 initially announced that it will suspend the “tabo system” due to safety risks, officials of Rural Transit Mindanao inc. (RTMI) met with the agency to discuss measures that would allow the continuation of the Cagayan de Oro-Davao route via the Overview Road in Quezon town through the “tabo system.”

The “tabo system” is a setup wherein passengers are transferred to another bus on the opposite side of landslide site to continue their trip.

LTFRB-10 has issued a special permit for the CDO-Overview, Quezon and Davao City-Quezon, Bukidnon routes to ensure continuous service for passengers who need to disembark near the damaged portion of the road.

LTFRB-10 Director, Abosamen Matuan, said passengers still have the freedom to choose whether to use the “tabo system.”

“Doon sa tabo system ipagbigay nating choice yan sa ating mananakay kung sakaling ating commuting public will still choose na gamitin yung tabo system karapatan po yan ng ating mananakay,” Matuan said.

RTMI Administrative Manager, Angela Gesulga, said the damage section of the Overview Road between Quezon, Bukidnon and Davao spans 114 kilometers, and halting the service would leave many passengers stranded.

She added that temporary facilities have been installed in the area for passenger convenience and safety.

“We have deployed tents didto we have provided also umbrellas para sa mga passengers just in case mag ulan or init kaayo gina provide sa company ang convenience,” Gesulga added.

Meanwhile, LTFRB-10 has requested RTMI to deploy more buses for the alternative route via Talaingod to accommodate passengers during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

From the previous nine buses, RTMI has increased the number of units to 21 for the CDO-Davao via Talaingod route.

“Our first trip 1am then last trip will be 12 noon wala tay na change for via BuDa nag add lang ta units kay nakita nato there are passengers nga willing mo travel for Talaingod,” Gesulga said.