By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday (Nov. 3) advised all bus companies and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to implement safety measures amid the threat of Typhoon “Tino” in the southern part of Luzon and some parts of the Visayas region.
LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II said that the move is in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to ensure the safety of everybody in times of natural calamities, in this case Typhoon Tino which threatens to unleash heavy rains and strong winds along its path.
“We are discouraging non-essential travels in southern parts of Luzon and some parts of the Visayas as part of the safety measures for the commuters and motorists. We urge bus and other PUV operators, as well as motorists, to heed the travel advisories in relation to this weather disturbance,” Chairperson Mendoza said.
Signal No. 3 was already hoisted and at least areas were covered by it— mostly in Eastern Visayas and some parts of Mindanao.
Several areas are under storm signal nos. 1 and 2.
In Western Visayas, a travel advisory was already issued from Nov. 3-5 wherein non-essential travels were discouraged by the LTFRB Region 6 (Western Visayas).
Mendoza said that the issuance of travel advisory was intended not only to protect commuters and motorists but also prevent a scenario of people being stranded in various areas due to the weather condition.
“Mahirap ma-stranded sa mga alanganing lugar dahil buhay ang nakasalalay dito. On the part of the LTFRB, we will implement all the necessary measures to ensure public safety,” he said.
Mendoza also urged the motorists and the public to be always updated on the weather condition in order to plan all travels. ###
