Ombud to probe Barili accident

An inquiry into the use of a government dump truck for funeral mourners  in Barili town, south Cebu, will be conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol docketed the complaint based on media reports of the Aug. 18 road accident involving a municipal owned dump truck, which overturned, killing 10 passengers.

“We will determine whether or not there was negligence on the part of concerned government employees,” Apostol told reporters yesterday.

Charges of imprudence were already  filed by police against truck driver Alwin Bayno before the Municipal Trial Court in Barili town. Bail was recommended at P30,000.

Apostol said the families and relatives of casualties may file a formal complaint  with the office.

“The Office of the Ombudsman can step into any incident that puts the government in bad light,” he said.

Apostol said public officials should make sure that government vehicles are maintained in good condition to ensure the safety of passengers.

But he acknowledged that government dump trucks are often  used to transport passengers in mountain barangays.

“We allow the practice because it does not benefit just one person. We consider it as official use of a government vehicle,” he said.

Apostol said the inquiry of the anti-graft office may center on the maintenance of the dump trucks.

“Maybe, there are lapses in  maintenance. We will study the issue first. If it was an accident, it’s hard to avoid that; we can’t predict accidents,” he said.

Truck driver Bayno said the truck’s brake malfunctioned when its rubber cap exploded. The 37-year-old driver surrendered to the Barili police precinct after the incident.

Two complainants supported the criminal charges. They are Benjie Ricapalaza, who lost two brothers in the accident,  and Dionisia Escarpe whose  46-year-old son died. /Ador Vincent Mayol, Reporter