Thursday, May 11, 2006

Mindanao Bus Firm Suspended

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Zamboanga Journal / 11 May) The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) here suspended Thursday the operation of the Super Five Transport, which runs a fleet of passenger buses in Mindanao, for alleged franchise violations.

LTFRB officials accused the firm also illegally hiking its fare without approval and that some of its drivers were working without or expired licenses and at least 53 of its buses were forced to stop operating.

“We are warning the riding public not to ride on Super 5 buses which may still defy the LTFRB order,” said Mandangan Darimbang, LTFRB regional director.

He said the LTFRB sent a letter to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Regional Traffic Management Office (RTMO) to apprehend Super Five buses operating without franchise.

Porcawa Dia, LTO regional chief, said he has ordered the buses impounded if Super Five continues to operate without permits. “We will apprehend their units, if they continue fielding its buses for transport of passengers,” Dia said.

Supt. Felixberto Castillo, RTMO chief, also said they will abide by the orders of LTFRB. There was no immediate statement from the bus firm owned by Paul Padayhag, who is based in Iligan City.

The bus firm is one of the biggest in Mindanao and its suspension will affect many travelers, traders said.

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