LTO-6 seeks to shut Facebook groups tipping off motorists, ridiculing enforcers

By Gerome Dalipe IV

The Land Transportation Office–Region VI (LTO-6) has sought help from police cybercrime investigators to shut down Facebook chat groups that post real-time tips about enforcement operations and spread defamatory content against agency personnel.

In a letter to the Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit of Police Regional Office 6, LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit Chief Shiela Mae C. Alulod requested assistance in identifying group administrators and members, and in removing the offending accounts.

The move was directed by Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II and Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu.

“The real-time disclosure of enforcement activities puts public safety and officers’ lives at risk,” Geduspan said, urging motorists to stop sharing operational details and to report suspicious accounts.

LTO-6 officials said several Facebook chatrooms are being used to post checkpoint locations, patrol routes, and traffic enforcement schedules, allowing violators to evade detection.

The agency also noted that some members of these groups have photographed LTO and deputized personnel during operations and uploaded the images with mocking or defamatory captions.

The regional office documented online activity that includes live alerts on the location and timing of law enforcement teams, solicitations for unauthorized licensing and vehicle registration, and the spread of false or damaging information.

LTO-6 said these actions may violate Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act), provisions of the Revised Penal Code, and other laws, and could be considered obstruction of justice or falsification where applicable.

In its letter, the agency requested an immediate investigation, the takedown of identified groups, and the filing of criminal charges where necessary.

The LTO-6 also submitted preliminary screenshots and incident reports to support its request and pledged ongoing coordination with law enforcement partners.

Assistant Regional Director Conlu called for public cooperation, emphasizing that “the public’s safety depends on effective enforcement — and encrypted chatrooms that tip off violators only erode that safety.”

LTO-6 urged motorists to use official channels for complaints and inquiries and warned that those operating or facilitating the chat groups may face criminal prosecution.

Members of the public who have been targeted or have information about group administrators were encouraged to contact the LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit or the Regional Anti-Cyber Crime Unit.