LTO-6 intercepts colorum MPV in Pototan amid Undas crackdown

ILOILO CITY — The Land Transportation Office Region 6 (LTO-6) intercepted a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) carrying paying passengers without a valid franchise in Pototan, Iloilo, on Oct. 24, during the second day of “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2026.”

Personnel of the Regional Law Enforcement Section, led by Chief Jetster T. Mandadero, flagged down the MPV during a roadside inspection in Barangay Batuan. The vehicle was carrying passengers on a PHP 2,000 trip from Lambunao to Pototan.

The apprehension came as LTO-6 teams conducted roadside inspections in nearby municipalities while other personnel remained stationed at key transport terminals serving Iloilo City.

The latest apprehension adds to LTO-6’s tally of more than 200 colorum vehicles apprehended across Western Visayas since January 2026. The crackdown has covered motorcycles, tricycles, taxis, sedans, vans and MPVs.

On Oct. 23, the operation’s opening day, LTO-6 personnel inspected hundreds of public utility vehicles (PUVs) at New Ceres Mohon Terminal in Villa Arevalo, Tagbak Bus Terminal in Jaro and Pavia People’s Terminal. The wider deployment also covers Ungka Terminal, seaports and the airport serving Iloilo City.

The first phase runs from Oct. 23 to 27 and focuses on outbound travel through terminal inspections, random drug testing of PUV drivers and monitoring of major departure routes. Personnel also reminded motorists to wear seat belts, ensure child passenger safety, observe motorcycle safety rules and avoid distracted driving.

The second phase, scheduled from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4, will cover the peak travel period surrounding All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2, when thousands of Filipinos are expected to travel to their home provinces and visit cemeteries.

Before the deployment, Regional Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II addressed 94 law enforcers, deputized personnel and support staff during a send-off ceremony at the LTO-6 Conference Room.

“Serve the public with sincerity and commitment,” Geduspan told them, stressing that professionalism, courtesy and discipline must guide their inspections and encounters with motorists.

Geduspan has also repeatedly urged transport operators to secure the appropriate franchise or operating authority from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) before accepting paying passengers. Unauthorized transport services can expose passengers to risks and undercut legitimate operators who comply with franchise requirements.

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

Under the Public Service Act and Executive Order No. 202, passenger transport services within LTFRB jurisdiction must hold a valid Certificate of Public Convenience or other applicable operating authority. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 4136 also prohibits vehicles registered for private use from carrying passengers for pay.

LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2024-038, issued Oct. 8, 2024, repealed earlier exemptions for certain leased private vehicles and rent-a-car services. It requires covered car rental operators and owners of private vehicles rented out for a fee to secure the appropriate franchise.