Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao has asked the police to retrieve the dash cam and memory card of the Ceres bus that fell off a “killer curve” into a ravine in Hamtic, Antique, on Dec. 5 leaving 19 passengers dead.
These are crucial evidence essential for a comprehensive investigation into the accident that allegedly was caused by faulty brakes, Cadiao said on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Cadiao said she asked PCol. Rogelio Abran Jr., Antique provincial police director, to secure the dash cam and memory card from Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), which owns the Cere bus lines.
“We need a thorough investigation once the memory card is handed over to us. I appeal to Police Col. Abran to facilitate the return of the equipment and seek assistance from the NBI to delve into the specifics of what transpired with the Ceres bus. We must scrutinize every angle to understand the reasons behind this tragedy,” Cadiao said.
“Let’s examine every aspect, what occurred on December 5, whether it was a mechanical issue or related to road design. We need a comprehensive understanding,” she said.
Cadiao stressed the importance of bus companies investing in high-quality dash cam equipment.
Jade Marquez, VTI media relations officer, said they recovered the dash cam and memory card that were damaged when the bus fell into the ravine. The data could not be recovered but they are willing to turn them over to the Antique authorities if they want them.
Cadiao said she met with Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan
on Friday to request that the DPWH condemn the section of the Hamtic, Antique, road where the “killer curve” is located and instead create a new one cutting through the mountain to prevent more deaths from happening.
She informed Bonoan of the numerous accidents and deaths that have occurred at the “killer curve” since 1959 that has caused vehicles to fall into the 30-meter deep ravine.
Cadiao said Bonoan assured that he is sending a team of engineers led by Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo to study her road proposal to prevent future accidents in the area.
“Let us abandon the killer curve and let the spirits of the dead there rest in peace…we can put a memorial there in the future,” Cadiao said.
Marquez said the Ceres bus that figured in the accident on Dec. 5 had 28 passengers, 19 of whom died.
She said nine other passengers and pedestrian were injured.
Two of the injured have been discharged, while eight remain in various hospitals.
One of those still in hospital remains in the intensive care unit, Marquez said.
Cadiao said many of those in hospital sustained head injuries.*