LTO-6 seeks bizman’s license revocation over firearm threat

By Gerome Dalipe IV

The Land Transportation Office–Region VI (LTO-6) has moved to revoke the driver’s license of a Jaro-based businessman for at least four years after multiple incidents of harassment and firearm-related threats toward LTO personnel.

Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II approved the recommendation from Intelligence and Investigation Unit Chief Shiela Mae C. Alulod following an internal inquiry by the LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit and Regional Law Enforcement Section.

The investigation found the motorist exhibited a “persistent pattern of hostile and threatening behavior” toward law enforcers during routine checkpoint operations.

In one incident in February, LTO-6 personnel stopped the suspect at a checkpoint on Burgos Street, La Paz, where officers noted a firearm visible near the vehicle’s transmission lever.

On Aug. 11, 2025, while driving a white Nissan Patrol, the motorist allegedly shouted profanities at enforcers during a checkpoint at Plaza Jaro while a firearm remained within reach.

Another incident occurred on Aug. 14, 2025, when the same motorist allegedly hurled demeaning remarks at an LTO enforcer near Iloilo Science and Technology University, again with a visible firearm inside the vehicle.

The LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit classified the motorist’s actions as gross misconduct and serious intimidation under Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

The agency also cited violations under Article 148 of the Revised Penal Code for direct assault upon a person in authority and firearms violations under Republic Act No. 10591.

As a result, LTO-6 recommended the revocation of the motorist’s driver’s license for no less than four years and the placement of the license under administrative alarm status.

The agency also requested the Philippine National Police–Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) to release the motorist’s License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) records and firearm registrations.

Additionally, the LTO endorsed the filing of criminal charges under Article 148 before the Office of the City Prosecutor.

In a written statement, the motorist apologized for what he described as behavior that may have seemed arrogant or offensive and said he had no intention of disrespecting law enforcers.

However, LTO-6 emphasized that the apology does not negate the documented and repeated pattern of misconduct.

“The presence of a firearm together with aggressive verbal threats poses a clear and present danger to public safety and undermines enforcement operations,” the agency stated in its resolution.

The LTO said it will pursue both administrative and criminal actions to protect its personnel and uphold road safety laws.

Regional Director Geduspan and Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu urged the public and other motorists to report similar incidents and cooperate with law enforcement to maintain order at checkpoints.