LTO-6 catches 24 suspected colorum vehicles during Undas

ILOILO CITY — Twenty-four vehicles have been apprehended for alleged colorum operations as the Land Transportation Office Region 6 (LTO-6) intensified its campaign against unauthorized public transport services on the eighth day of “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2026” on Friday, Oct. 30.

The latest apprehension involved a multipurpose van flagged down late Thursday in Cabatuan, Iloilo, by personnel of the Regional Law Enforcement Section (RLES).

Jetster Mandadero, RLES chief, confirmed that the driver was transporting two paying passengers from Cabatuan to Tagbak, Jaro, Iloilo City, when intercepted.

The apprehension came as LTO-6 stepped up inspections at transport terminals and along major roads across Western Visayas to protect passengers during the Undas travel rush.

More than 5,000 public utility vehicles (PUVs) have undergone inspection since the operation began on Oct. 23.

Law enforcers, deputized personnel and support staff remain on heightened alert, checking vehicle roadworthiness, driver compliance and passenger safety as families travel to their home provinces and visit their departed loved ones.

Since January, LTO-6 has apprehended more than 200 colorum vehicles across the region, including motorcycles, tricycles, taxis, sedans, vans and multipurpose vehicles.

LTO-6 Regional Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II has repeatedly reminded operators to secure the appropriate franchise or operating authority from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) before transporting paying passengers.

He warned that unauthorized transport services put passengers at risk and undermine legitimate operators who comply with government franchising requirements.

Violators face fines, vehicle impoundment and other sanctions under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.

The Public Service Act and Executive Order No. 202 require passenger transport services under LTFRB jurisdiction to obtain a valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or other applicable operating authority.

Section 7 of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, also prohibits vehicles registered for private use from transporting passengers for pay.

LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2024-038, which took effect Oct. 10, 2024, repealed earlier exemptions covering certain leased private vehicles and rent-a-car services.

However, an LTO memorandum issued April 8, 2025, subsequently directed enforcers to refrain from apprehending vans solely on the basis of lease arrangements while the Department of Transportation reviews the legal issue.

The directive does not prevent authorities from apprehending vehicles for other violations.

Now in its second phase, which runs from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4, Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2026 is focusing more attention on roads leading to cemeteries and memorial parks, alongside preparations for return travel.

LTO-6 law enforcement teams will continue monitoring these routes as vehicle and pedestrian traffic increases during the observance of All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.

The intensified operations aim to ensure that public transport vehicles meet safety standards and operate with the necessary government authorization during the holiday travel period.