Bontoc allows buses to resume operations

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bontoc Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force (MIATF) has decided to allow resumption of operation of provincial buses plying from Bontoc outside Mountain Province.
    This was the consensus of the MIATF, headed by Mayor Franklin Odsey, during a meeting on Nov. 23 at the municipal capitol. 
    But the MIATF said resumption of operation of provincial buses must still be with the strict enforcement of health protocols and LTFRB guidelines. 
    Odsey said two provincial bus companies signified their intent to resume operations.
    These were D’Rising Sun Transport System plying the Bontoc-Baguio route, and CODA Lines Corporation plying Bontoc-Cubao route.
    Odsey said he coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional office endorsing said provincial bus companies to be given approval to operate.
    The mayor added entry and exit of individuals in the municipality will also be monitored through passenger manifest to be submitted by the bus operator.
    He added the passenger manifest will be of great help in the conduct of effective and efficient contact tracing, should it be needed. 
    Memorandum circular 051 – 2020 of the Dept. of Transportation – LTFRB stipulated operators of provincial routes must ensure their units must be registered and with valid Personal Passenger Insurance Policy, and must be equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), to ensure monitoring of movement of the unit. 
    Prior to boarding at designated terminals, passengers must present a travel authority issued by the PNP within 48 hours prior to departure; valid ID as proof of residency and place of origin, age and workplace or school; written consent to undergo COVID-19 testing and/ or quarantine as may be required by the LGU either at the point of origin or destination and other documents as may be required by current IATF and LGU guidelines. 
    Relative to this, the guidelines imposed by the Bontoc LGU for those who will be coming home or entering the municipality remains in effect. All coming from outside Mountain Province must secure travel authority from the local PNP of their point of origin and updated medical clearance certificate from the local health office of their point of origin; must secure certificate of acceptance from the Bontoc MIATF; submit themselves for triage at the basement (mezanin) of the Bontoc municipal capitol and complete the 14-day self –quarantine. 
    Operators of provincial buses were also required to comply with the conditions for operations as stipulated in the LTFRB memorandum circular.
    These to ensure the safety of the passengers, drivers, and conductors; prevent spread of Covid-19 and hasten efficient and effective contact tracing, should it be needed. 
    Meanwhile, tourism activities in the municipality were still suspended, except for residents of Bontoc, Mountain Province.