LTO bars six riders from getting driver’s licenses

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region has permanently disqualified six unlicensed motorcycle riders from obtaining driver’s licenses.

The riders were among more than 20 individuals reportedly involved in late-night motorcycle drag racing along the Bacolod-Negros Occidental Economic Highway, or BANOCEH, at Circumferential Road in Barangay Granada in April.

LTO-NIR Director Jeck Conlu said authorities accounted for only six riders, while the others managed to escape.

Updated agency records showed that seven unregistered motorcycles were impounded, six unlicensed individuals were caught participating in the illegal drag race, and seven Temporary Operator’s Permits were issued for violations of Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

The riders failed to process the documents needed to retrieve their motorcycles, prompting the agency to issue the disqualification resolution, Conlu said.

The resolution is part of the agency’s intensified crackdown on illegal racing and unlicensed driving.

No similar incident has been reported in the area since the April operation, according to Conlu.

Conlu said the operation reinforced the agency’s commitment to road safety through strict and continuous enforcement against reckless and unlawful motorists.

The April 26 operation was conducted by LTO-NIR and the Bacolod City Police Office at about 11:30 p.m. after authorities received a tip about nightly drag races in the area.

Initial reports said at least 20 riders were cited and 13 motorcycles were impounded, while the agency’s updated tally later listed seven unregistered motorcycles, six unlicensed riders, and seven Temporary Operator’s Permits.

Republic Act 4136 requires motorists to obtain valid driver’s licenses and prohibits reckless driving on public highways, while Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 prohibits motor vehicle speed contests, including drag racing, without the required permit.

Bacolod City Ordinance 08-15-742 also prohibits illegal drag racing within the city.

Meanwhile, LTO-NIR is investigating a video of a reported motorcycle drag race in Valladolid, Negros Occidental, that circulated on social media in mid-July.

Conlu said the agency initially received information that the incident occurred in Bago City but later learned that it took place in Valladolid.

He added that the same people may have been involved in drag racing in both areas.

Conlu said drag racing is illegal unless it is conducted on private property or during festivals and major events with the required permits.

He said drag racing on public highways poses a serious danger to motorists.

The agency is coordinating with the Valladolid local government and police to identify the people involved, Conlu said.

Conlu said the agency already has names that remain subject to validation and needs the motorcycles’ plate numbers to strengthen its evidence before issuing show-cause orders.