LTO-6 flags colorum tourist van, trucks during Undas checks

ILOILO CITY — A private van carrying tourists from Antique to Iloilo City and two wing vans hired to transport parcels were intercepted for allegedly operating without valid franchises as the Land Transportation Office Region 6 (LTO-6) intensified terminal inspections and roadside checks ahead of the Undas travel rush.

LTO-6 has inspected more than 2,500 public utility vehicles (PUVs) across Western Visayas under “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2026.”

Since the operation began Oct. 23, LTO-6 enforcers have issued more than 60 Temporary Operator’s Permits (TOPs) to motorists for various violations, impounded three colorum vehicles and placed two wing vans under technical impoundment.

Law enforcement officers, deputized personnel and support staff remain on heightened alert at key transport hubs as the operation’s first phase concludes Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Personnel of the Regional Law Enforcement Section, led by Chief Jetster T. Mandadero, intercepted the private van at Mohon Terminal in Arevalo, Iloilo City, on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The vehicle was allegedly transporting tourists for a fee without the required operating authority.

In a separate operation, personnel of the LTO Passi City District Office, headed by acting chief Relin Reyes, stopped two wing vans hired to transport parcels without a valid provisional authority or Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) confirmed that applications for new CPCs for both vehicles had been dismissed and their provisional authorities canceled.

Enforcers confiscated the trucks’ license plates and flagged their records for colorum operations.

Inspections have also extended beyond passenger terminals, with enforcement teams checking vehicles and monitoring driver compliance along major departure routes.

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

LTO-6 Regional Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II has repeatedly urged operators to secure the appropriate franchise or operating authority from the 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, impoundment and other sanctions under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.

Under the Public Service Act and Executive Order No. 202, public land transportation services under LTFRB jurisdiction must secure a valid 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 carrying passengers for hire.

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

However, an LTO memorandum dated April 8, 2025, subsequently directed enforcers to refrain from apprehending vans solely for operating under lease agreements while the Department of Transportation reviewed the legal issue.

The directive does not prevent apprehensions for other violations.

The first phase of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos, from Oct. 23 to 27, focuses on outbound travel through terminal inspections and monitoring of major departure routes.

Enforcement teams are also reminding motorists about seat belt use, child passenger safety, motorcycle safety and the dangers of distracted driving.

From Oct. 28 to Nov. 4, the operation will focus on Undas activities and return journeys.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 28, LTO-6 teams will monitor major roads and routes leading to cemeteries and memorial parks as vehicle and pedestrian traffic increases during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.