THE Bacolod Transportation and Traffic Management Department (BTTMD) has asked the assistance of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to conduct a seminar and training for all the conductors of modern public utility vehicles (MPUVs) operating in Bacolod City.
Jose Antonio Robello, deputy head of BTTMD, said Tuesday, March 11, 2025, they already held a road safety coordination meeting with operators of the MPUVs, and it was agreed to require their conductors to attend a training and seminar with the LTO.
“Due to the recent incident, where a 22-year-old MPUV conductor, Reynan Siguardo, died after he fell from a modernized PUV, including the growing complaints because of the reckless driving of the MPUVs, we held a meeting to ensure that safety is the number one concern,” he said.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) investigation showed that Sigurado, a resident of Barangay Mansilingan, was assisting passengers when the MPUV’s door suddenly opened while the vehicle was moving.
Closed-circuit television footage showed the victim leaning on the door, which suddenly opened, causing him to lose his balance.
The victim fell from the MPUV and hit his head on the pavement. He was brought to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, but he did not survive.
“We asked the assistance of the LTO to conduct a refresher or seminar for all our conductors and to issue them a permit or license this week,” Robello said.
He said that under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Transportation Traffic Code, it stated that conductors are required to secure a conductor’s permit to work in a PUV.
Robello stressed that it’s the responsibility of the operators on how to discipline their drivers and conductors to ensure the safety of their passengers.
Patrick Lacson, officer-in-charge of the BTTMD, earlier ordered all traffic enforcers and supervisors to apprehend drivers of MPUVs operating with their doors open while the vehicles are moving.
Lacson said they received information that some MPUV drivers continue to operate with their doors open while moving and their conductors looking for passengers. /MAP