Bus firm vows probe of ComVal road mishap as deaths rise to 4

DAVAO CITY — The management of one of the buses which figured in a deadly accident in Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley on Monday has expressed regret over the mishap, saying an investigation would be underway as the death toll rose to four.

“We are saddened by the accident that happened in Nabunturan and our response team is now on the site to facilitate the necessary actions,” the Tagum City-based bus firm owned by the family of former Tagum Mayor Rey Uy said in a statement.

“Investigation is ongoing,” the firm added.

Four people died after a Metro Shuttle bus heading to New Bataan, Compostela Valley collided with a Davao City-bound Bachelor Express Inc. bus along the Davao-Butuan highway on Kilometer 91, Barangay Magsaysay past 1 p.m., according to Josephine Flores of the Nabunturan Emergency Response Team (NERT).

Flores said she saw two bodies being loaded onto a hearse while NERT ambulances rushed 14 injured victims to different local hospitals.

Joseph Randy Loy, Compostela Valley provincial disaster action officer, said he received reports that two other injured persons brought to Compostela Valley provincial hospital (CVPH) in nearby Montevista town have died.

“We also welcome any actual or personal experience of the event so we can add it up to our investigation,” DMS said.

The bus firm also asked for prayers for the victims.

“Other rescue volunteers, firemen, police and private individuals also helped in bringing other injured to hospitals,” Flores told Inquirer. /ee