DMW prepares criminal, civil cases over Germany bus crash

October 3, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is preparing criminal and civil charges against two drivers and the Milan-based operator of a bus that crashed in Bavaria, Germany, killing two Filipinos and injuring 31 others.

DMW Undersecretary Jun Rasul said the agency had begun coordinating with German and Italian authorities and legal counsels to preserve evidence and pursue legal action on behalf of the victims and their families.

“Upon the instruction of the secretary, we immediately contacted lawyers who could best represent the victims and file appropriate cases in court against the two drivers and the bus company operator based in Milan, Italy,” Rasul said during a DMW press briefing.

Rasul said the DMW is also looking into the civil liability of and insurance claims against the bus operator.

He added that the DMW had consulted a lawyer who practices both German and Italian law and was meeting with another law firm to determine which counsel could represent the victims and their families in accident, injury and insurance claims.

According to Rasul, one lawyer advised that an insurance-related civil complaint could be filed in Milan, where most of the Filipino passengers had returned, and that Italian law could provide for claims involving the victims’ children and parents.

“We are pursuing that line, but we are still meeting with another law firm,” Rasul said. “We will try to secure and engage the services of the law firm immediately to represent the victims and their families.”

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency was coordinating with the Philippine consuls general in Milan and Frankfurt to pursue justice for the victims and their families.

“We have teamed up to ensure that justice will be delivered to the families of the aggrieved, the victims, the two deceased victims and the rest of those 31 or so passengers,” Cacdac said.

Labor attaché Delia Palomar said a lawyer in Augsburg is being considered to assist in the case.

German police are continuing their investigation into the crash and have taken statements from survivors. Investigators also plan to travel to Milan to interview passengers who have not yet been questioned.