Superintendent Joselito Conte, Pagbilao police chief, identified five of the seven fatalities as bus driver Victor Argones, bus conductor Francisco Israel, Eduardo Onan, Jovy Emperino, and five-year-old Kyla Marie Argones, all residents of Camarines Sur.
Two others remain unidentified as of press time yesterday and were all brought to the Funeraria Pagbilao in Lucena City.
Meanwhile, the 50 injured passengers were rushed to Jane County Hospital for medical treatment.
Investigation revealed that at around 2:35 a.m., the bus of RJ Diaz Bus Liner, with license plate EVH-664, were cruising along the winding road of Sitio Sapinit, Barangay Silangang Malicboy when the driver reportedly tried to overtake a vehicle in front of him, lost control of the wheel and plunged into a 30-foot deep ravine.
Rescuers had to use acetylene cutters and other equipment to extricate bodies from the wreckage, police said.
Conte said the bus was registered under the name of Ramon Diaz in Lagonoy town, Camarines Sur.
"We still have yet to determine if the bus line has a franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) so we can demand from the owner medical assistance for the victims," he added.
Conte said they are still trying to determine what charges would be appropriate against the bus driver and its operator. — With AP, AFP