DepEd: Driver in Bataan bus accident released from police custody as no charges filed

A team of rescuers attempt to raise the school bus that had fallen down a ravine in Ornani, Bataan on Saturday, Nov. 5, to get to the wounded passengers. The bus was carrying 47 persons, most of them public school teachers. (Photo from Bataan PNP)

MANILA, Philippines – The bus driver who was involved in an accident in Orani, Bataan province last Saturday has been released from police custody as no criminal charges have been filed against him, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday.

In a press conference, DepEd NCR Regional Director Wilfredo Cabral said the bus driver was held at the Orani Police Station for questioning but was eventually released because the deceased teacher’s family has not filed charges against him.

“‘Yung driver ay dinala muna sa presinto for questioning but nai-release na din siya ng mga pulis at nakabalik na din pagkatapos magbigay ng salaysay. In the meantime, walang charges naibigay laban doon sa driver,” Cabral said.

(The driver was brought to the precinct for questioning but was released by the police after giving a statement. In the meantime, no charges were filed against the driver.)

“The SDO Quezon City coordinated with the family of the deceased and kaya siya narelease because noong nakausap ‘yung pamilya ay wala naman silang isinampa na reklamo pa laban doon sa driver,” he added

(The SDO Quezon City coordinated with the deceased’s family and he was released because the family did not file a case against the driver.)

Last Saturday, a school bus with 48 passengers fell 15 meters deep in a ravine in Bataan province after a brake malfunction while en route to a very sharp curve.

A teacher from Payatas B Elementary school was killed, while 26 others were injured.

According to NCR Regional Director Cabral, the teachers and other teaching staff were transferred to Quezon City hospital from Bataan hospitals. –Alyssa Joy Quevedo, trainee

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