MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has launched an investigation into a fatal road crash in Camarines Sur involving a passenger bus that left at least five people dead, and will issue a show cause order (SCO) against the bus company. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the SCO would require the bus operator to explain the circumstances surrounding the crash, which occurred at around 3:25 a.m. on Dec. 26 along the Del Gallego section of the Andaya Highway in Barangay Magais-I. “We already received a copy of the police report, which stated that the driver fell asleep, leading to the road crash,” Mendoza said. “During the hearing, we will further determine whether the proper protocols to ensure the mental and physical readiness of designated drivers were followed.” Based on initial police reports, a DLTB Bus bearing plate number UYA 479 was traveling from Cubao, Quezon City to Gubat, Sorsogon when it veered off the road and plunged down a cliff estimated to be about 10 meters high. Five passengers were killed in the incident, including a 60-year-old woman. At least 15 others, among them the driver and an alternate driver, were seriously injured and were brought to a hospital in Tagkawayan, Quezon for medical treatment. Initial verification ordered by Mendoza showed that the bus was registered under Del Motor Works Inc. and operated under a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in 2022, which is set to expire in March 2026. “We will get to the bottom of this case and hold accountable those who must be held responsible,” Mendoza said. He also reiterated his directive to all bus companies to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles and the readiness of their drivers amid the surge of passengers during the Christmas and New Year. Meanwhile, Mendoza said the LTFRB would coordinate with the insurance provider to speed up the release of insurance benefits for the victims and their families.