Quezon city: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday suspended the operation of nine buses owned by Delmonte Motor Works, Inc. (DMWI) after one of its buses plunged into a ravine in Barangay Silangang Malicboy, Pagbilao, Quezon, on Monday. The road crash resulted in the death of two people and injuries to 36 others.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II stated that a show cause order has been issued against DMWI, the parent company of Del Monte Land Transport Bus Company (DLTB), which operates the bus involved in the incident. Mendoza emphasized, "We will be allowing them to explain their side as part of the due process. But they are mandated to explain why their CPC should not be suspended or revoked."

In addition to the bus that fell into the ravine, eight other buses owned by the company are suspended pending the result of the LTFRB's investigation. The bus company has been ordered to submit maintenance records to ensure the roadworthiness of its passenger buses. Furthermore, the driver involved in the incident has been instructed to take a drug test and attend a seminar on public safety.

The first hearing on the case is scheduled for May 7. Failure to comply with the summons will result in a PHP5,000 fine. Initial police investigations revealed that the DLTB passenger bus, with license plate number AQA 6760 and driven by a 54-year-old named "Noel," was traveling from Daet, Camarines Norte, to Cubao, Quezon City. The bus's brakes failed while navigating a curved and descending portion of the road, leading to the driver losing control and the bus falling into a 10-meter-deep ravine.