ILOILO — A three-day anti-traffic and anti-“colorum” operation in Northern Iloilo resulted in the apprehension of 370 motorists for violating traffic laws, as authorities intensified efforts to crack down on unregistered vehicles, reckless road users, and illegal transport operations amid growing concerns over road safety.
Personnel of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 issued tickets to violators from May 20 to 22 during coordinated enforcement operations conducted in the municipalities of Ajuy, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Banate, and Anilao.
The crackdown involved casing, surveillance, and intelligence-driven operations targeting unregistered vehicles, traffic violators, and “colorum” operators as part of a wider regional campaign to strengthen road discipline and public safety in Iloilo province.
The intensified enforcement drive was spearheaded by Field Enforcement Unit Chief Jetster Mandadero through the strict implementation of Republic Act 4136 and other transportation laws.
Supporting the operation was LTO Barotac Viejo District Office Chief Ryan John Apalacio, whose office coordinated closely with regional enforcement teams to expand the scope and visibility of the crackdown throughout Northern Iloilo.
LTO-6 regional director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II reiterated his warning to motorists to ensure their vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses remain valid or face corresponding penalties and legal sanctions.
The operation coincided with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) intensified nationwide road safety campaign, particularly aimed at protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Transportation Senior Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor earlier emphasized the need for stricter enforcement measures to reduce road crash incidents.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also directed the DOTr to instill greater discipline among road users as part of a broader effort to reform the country’s transportation system.
Susec. Pastor stressed that road safety remains an urgent concern requiring a multi-sector and whole-of-government response.
“Kaya ang hamon po sa atin sa gobyerno — na nasa posisyon po tayo ngayon. Gayundin po sa mga kasamahan natin sa industriya, sa mga advocates natin: one life lost is too much. We need to stop it [road crash incidents],” Pastor said during the 2026 Road Safety Summit.
Pastor added that the DOTr, LTO, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are implementing reforms under the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan (PRSAP) 2023-2028, including stricter driver licensing reviews and tighter enforcement of safety and maintenance standards for public utility vehicles.
The PRSAP 2023-2028 serves as the country’s roadmap for road safety and is anchored on five pillars: Road Safety Management, Safer Roads, Safer Vehicles, Safer Road Users, and Post-Crash Response./PN
