Castilla town Mayor Isagani “Bong” Mendoza extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic accident in Castilla, Sorsogon on Friday, January 27, 2023 causing six deaths and injuries to thirteen others.
In an exclusive interview with Bicol Express News, the local government of Castilla will provide financial assistance of ten thousand pesos (10,000.00) to each orphaned family and will also provide medical assistance to hospitalized victims. His office is also coordinating with other government agencies, and NGOs for additional assistance to the victims. The assistance is expected for release next week,
The latest vehicular accident involving a wing truck and a passenger jeepney at barangay San Rafael together with the other accidents along the national highway in their jurisdiction needs a thorough investigation and directed the town Municipal Police Office to update him with their investigations, he added.
He also credits the responders, the local police, medical staff, and barangay residents for their heroic efforts in their immediate response to the accident. He believes that continued training of responders is necessary for prompt and timely response to victims of accidents and calamities.
JEEPNEY MODERNIZATION
According to Mendoza, he will contact the Department of Transportation (DOTr), LTFRB, LTO and CDA to help in the modernization of public vehicles. He aims to make the passengers safe and comfortable like anywhere else in the province of Sorsogon. Aside from his intention to urge the jeepney association plying the Cumadcad-Sorsogon City route to request updating of their driving and safety skills from government agencies concerned through seminars and training.
DPWH CALL TO ACTION
He is calling the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fix the stretch of the national highway covered by Castilla of potholes and cracks to avoid a series of accidents. It should be acted upon immediately for lives are at risk.