Dump Truck Driver Under Probe in Silay Fatal Crash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 30-year-old dump truck driver is under investigation after a crash that killed seven people and injured 17 others in Barangay Guimbalaon, Silay City, Negros Occidental on June 27.

The Land Transportation Office Region 6 issued a show-cause order to Hernane Masa, signed by E.B. Magalona District Chief Reuben Tampos and approved by LTO-6 Regional Director Gaudioso Geduspan II.

The order directs Masa to explain the circumstances of the incident within five calendar days, warning that failure to respond will be considered a waiver of his right to be heard.

The LTO cited a police report confirming that a mini dump truck owned by the Silay City government veered off course, hit a concrete barrier and overturned due to an apparent brake failure, ejecting several passengers.

The vehicle was carrying 24 government workers returning from a tree-planting activity when the crash occurred.

Authorities cited violations of Sections 18, 32 and 48 of Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which require valid number plates, mandate due care and prohibit reckless driving.

LTO-6 Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conlu emphasized the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and compliance to ensure passenger safety.

The action is part of a national crackdown on negligent driving under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II are leading the initiative with support from Western Visayas officials.

Masa was recently released from hospital arrest, with no charges filed against him so far, and is recovering at home.

Police Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, chief of Silay City Police Station, said 16 of the 17 injured passengers have expressed no intent to pursue charges, citing that Masa is their colleague.

He said only four injured victims remain confined in hospitals as of July 4.

Darroca added that the families of the deceased have not yet decided whether to file charges and that police will follow up after the interment.

Authorities are awaiting the results of an expert mechanic’s assessment of the vehicle.