LTFRB suspends 24 North Genesis buses, orders drug testing of all drivers after fatal Baguio crash

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended 24 units of the bus company involved in the fatal road crash along Marcos Highway in Baguio City earlier this week.

The accident claimed the life of a bus conductor and left at least six other individuals injured.

In a press release issued on June 17, 2026, LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the agency had issued a summons to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the incident.

“We commit to an impartial and no-nonsense investigation not only because it is our mandate but because it is the life and limb of commuters that are at stake when it comes to public transportation,” Mendoza said.

The 24 units of the bus company, identified as North Genesis, have been placed under a 30-day preventive suspension while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Aside from the suspension, the LTFRB ordered the company to subject all of its drivers to mandatory drug testing and to conduct roadworthiness inspections on the 24 suspended buses.

The bus firm was also directed to submit a notarized explanation on why it should not face sanctions for allegedly employing a reckless driver.

The tragic accident occurred in the early hours of June 16 when one of the company's buses slammed into a parked six-wheeler truck along Kilometer 6 of Marcos Highway.

Initial police investigation showed that the bus was traveling uphill toward Baguio City when it struck the rear portion of the truck, which was reportedly being repaired along the roadside at the time.

Authorities said the truck had experienced an injection pump malfunction prior to the incident.

As of this writing, an in-depth investigation remains underway to determine liabilities and whether the transport company committed any franchise lapses or violations of safety regulations under its Certificate of Public Convenience.

Investigators are also examining whether the six-wheeler truck was properly parked and whether adequate warning devices were in place before the collision occurred.