KALIBO, Aklan – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has urged the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to look into the allegations of transport groups against the LTO enforcement team operating in the province of Aklan.
The transport groups plying the Kalibo-Caticlan route petitioned the provincial board on the manner of apprehension of passenger vans by the enforcement team.
The petition was signed by Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) Land Transport, K’Jad Travel and Tours, Paradise Island Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and MV Shuttle Van.
The enforcement team conducted its operations on February 15, 2022 in the barangays of Tagbaya, Aquino and Ondoy in Ibajay, Aklan.
The transport groups further claimed the ‘unmarked” LTO service vehicles intentionally blocked the path of tourist vans for hire traversing the Aklan West Road.
There were also no proper and visible LTO checkpoint signages and LTO unmarked vehicles were used during the ongoing operations.
Jesus Jingco Jr., head of CBTMPC Land Transport, said the action of LTO enforcers disregarded the safety of commuters on board.
The operation of the LTO regional enforcement team resulted in the apprehension of 12 passenger vans. The vehicles were impounded in Iloilo City by 10 members of the LTO regional enforcement team.
In a recent Aklan SP committee hearing, Engr. Marlon Velez of LTO Kalibo District Office pointed out that the enforcers did not coordinate with him prior to their enforcement operations.
Velez also noted LTO enforcers must be in proper uniform in their operations and LTO checkpoints should have signages visible when they flagged down vehicles during regular operations.
At the same time, he also urged drivers and operators to elevate their allegations against the LTO enforcers in the regional office, which might be tantamount to gross misconduct.
SP committee on energy, public utilities, transportation, and communications led by board member Nemesio Neron and committee on laws, rules, and ordinances led by SP member Esel Flores recommended to LTO and LTFRB to clarify the protocols on the apprehension of colorum vehicles, coordination with other law enforcement agencies, processing, and settlement of impounded vehicles./PN
