Flowers and candles are placed in the area where a man working for the Department of Education died after falling off a bus in front the Cebu South Bus Terminal. | Paul Lauro
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The management of Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) has reiterated its reminders to the public that picking up passengers outside the terminal is forbidden, following a recent tragedy that claimed the life of a government personnel.
Carmen Quijano, manager of CSBT, instructed bus drivers and operators never to pick-up passengers outside the terminal not only to avoid traffic congestion but also for the safety of the passengers.
Quijano, in an interview with local radio station XFM-Cebu, said they were saddened and shocked that a man died after he tried to chase a passenger bus right outside CSBT.
“Wala gyud ta mahimuot aning sitwasyona karon kay maka pasuko man ni sa gobernadora (Gwendolyn Garcia). Niabot na gyud ang higayon kay kining mga mini bus gahi kaayog ulo unya dili gyud patuo,” she said.
Erwin Omblero, 57, a non-teaching employee at the Department of Education (DepEd), died on Tuesday, October 17, after being run over by a mini-bus.
According to witnesses, Omblero allegedly tried to pursue a bus that just got out of CSBT. The tragedy occurred during rush hour, with Omblero reportedly trying to catch a ride on his way home.
The driver of the bus, who is currently detained at Abellana Police Station, might be facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
Felomino (not his real name) apologized to Omblero’s relatives, saying he did not notice the latter chasing the bus he was driving.
In addition, Felomino said he did not open the door in compliance with the existing policy that prohibited loading and unloading passengers outside CSBT.
He was referring to the Capitol’s policy that instructed bus drivers and operators not to pick up passengers outside CSBT. Otherwise, they may face penalties.
In the meantime, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) planned to deploy more traffic enforcers to ensure no buses and mini-buses will pick up passengers outside Cebu’s largest bus terminal.
Quijano said they had already requested CCTO to provide manpower within CSBT’s vicinity.
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