THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is working to locate the man believed to be a person with disability (PWD) who was recently assaulted inside a bus along EDSA.
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) Director Edwin Morata said the agency is coordinating with concerned groups to find the victim and extend appropriate support.
“Nakikipag-ugnayan na tayo upang mahanap ang biktima at mabigyan ng kaukulang assistance,” Morata said.
“Maliban sa tinamo niyang injury, kakailanganin din ang assistance upang matulungan siyang i-process ang trauma mula sa pangyayari,” he added.
On June 9, the man was accused of biting fellow passengers aboard a Precious Grace Transport bus. In response, several passengers were seen physically assaulting him.
A video of the incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the victim seated at the back of the bus, screaming “tama na!” while biting onto a piece of cloth.
Moments later, a male passenger kicks the victim in the face and punches him repeatedly. The PWD tries to protect himself with his hands, while groaning in pain. More passengers joined in the beating.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) confirmed that the bus in question belongs to Precious Grace Transport with plate number NDQ 2615.
“The LTFRB has summoned the officials of Precious Grace Transport to explain why their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) should not be suspended or revoked,” said LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III on June 13.
The LTFRB said the conductor and several passengers were allegedly involved in the assault.
In the meantime, a 30-day preventive suspension has been imposed on 10 bus units of the company, all operating under the EDSA Bus Carousel route.
