Driver and conductor suspended after controversial assault of PWD by passengers on bus

• DOTr suspended the licenses of the bus driver and conductor who were on the bus during the June 9 assault of a PWD
• Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that the incident was “unacceptable” and that PUVs must protect all passengers
• The bus should have stopped at the nearest station and reported the incident to authorities
• The DOTr vowed further action to uphold commuter rights and dignity, especially for vulnerable passengers

The driver and conductor present during the June 9 assault of a person with disability (PWD) aboard a public utility bus have had their licenses suspended, according to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

In an interview on "Ted Failon at DJ Chacha," Secretary Dizon expressed strong disapproval of the incident, emphasizing that PUV operators and personnel have a duty to protect and assist commuters, especially those with disabilities.

"What happened is unacceptable," Dizon said.

"We cannot allow our fellow citizens, particularly persons with disabilities, to be treated this way on public transport."

He added that the proper protocol should have been followed during the incident.

“The bus should have stopped at the nearest station and immediately reported the matter to authorities,” he explained.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) acted swiftly to address the matter by suspending the licenses of both the driver and conductor pending a full investigation.

The agency also reminded PUV operators of their obligation to ensure the safety and dignity of all passengers.

Public outrage followed the circulation of a video showing the PWD being physically assaulted, sparking renewed calls for stronger commuter protection and better sensitivity training for public transport staff.

Secretary Dizon assured the public that further disciplinary actions may be taken and that the DOTr will not tolerate any abuse or neglect of passenger rights within the country’s transport system.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a woman was fatally shot by riding-in-tandem suspects while she was having a drink with some friends on a roadside in Sampaloc, Manila. The 30-year-old woman was killed after being shot in the nape by assailants on a motorcycle on Thursday evening, May 22. The victim’s live-in partner, a barangay tanod, sustained a gunshot wound to the knee, and another tanod was grazed in the chest after pursuing the fleeing suspects who fired additional shots. Authorities are actively investigating the identity of the perpetrators and potential motives for the attack, including whether the backrider was female and if a “love triangle” was involved.

Still in other news, a 23-year-old man suffered from physical injuries after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of young men. According to the report of GMA Regional TV, the victim, Mat Ernest Bongo brought his female co-worker home and it was thereafter that the alleged assault took place. He sustained injuries in different parts of his body. Based on the report, the victim was also allegedly robbed by the same group.

Source: KAMI.com.gh