LTO-6, PNP-HPG Partner to Boost Road Safety in Visayas

By Gerome Dalipe IV

In a move to enhance road safety and strengthen transport law enforcement, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 has partnered with the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to deploy additional deputized officers across Western Visayas.

Twenty-eight officers from the PNP-HPG and various municipal police stations completed their deputation seminar and training on April 23 at the LTO Region 6 office.

The new deputies include personnel from HPG units in the Negros Island Region and Iloilo, as well as officers from the Tubungan and San Enrique police stations in Iloilo.

These deputized officers are now authorized to assist the LTO in joint patrols, checkpoint operations, and the apprehension of violators of transportation regulations.

“This collaboration reflects a unified and strategic approach to reducing road accidents and ensuring public safety,” said LTO Region 6 Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II.

“These deputized personnel will serve as force multipliers in our mission to uphold road discipline and law enforcement.”

LTO Region 6 Assistant Director Jeck D. Conlu emphasized the importance of shared responsibility among law enforcement agencies.

“This underscores our collective responsibility to make our roads safer for all,” he said.

The initiative aligns with the national directive of LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II and Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

Both officials have pushed for stronger road safety efforts and stricter implementation of transport laws.

The deputation process was led by the LTO-6 Regional Law Enforcement Section under Ms. Relin B. Reyes.

Before deployment, officers underwent extensive training conducted by Bernard C. Bacay and Ryan John A. Apalacio of the LTO-6 Traffic Safety Unit under the supervision of Ms. MelJoy Gaurano.

Topics included traffic law enforcement procedures, operational standards, and inter-agency coordination protocols between LTO and the PNP.

Participants expressed appreciation for the training and affirmed their commitment to support the LTO’s road safety mandate.

The inter-agency effort is expected to significantly enhance law enforcement capabilities and promote safer roads throughout the region.