ILOILO — A Holy Week enforcement drive by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Western Visayas exposed dangerous violations on the region’s busiest roads, with over 8,000 vehicles inspected, 18 illegal “colorum” units pulled out, and at least 10 drivers testing positive for illegal drugs amid peak travel season.
The intensified operations, carried out under “OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos!: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2026,” underscored not just compliance efforts but the scale of risks confronting passengers during one of the year’s heaviest travel periods.
Since its launch on March 23, LTO Region 6 enforcement teams fanned out across major transport hubs and highways, conducting rigorous inspections and apprehending violators who posed threats to public safety.
The campaign’s figures reveal both vigilance and violations: 650 Temporary Operator’s Permits were issued to drivers attempting to bypass registration requirements, 153 motorists were flagged for operating unregistered vehicles, and 79 individuals were penalized for driving without valid licenses. Authorities also stopped 157 reckless drivers.
However, the most alarming findings emerged from anti-drug operations.
In coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), LTO-6 rolled out “Oplan Harabas” on March 30 and 31, conducting surprise drug testing across terminals in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo, supported by K9 units.
Out of 1,529 drivers and conductors tested, at least 10 returned positive results for illegal substances — raising serious concerns over road safety during a period of heavy passenger movement.
The operation directly supports Republic Act 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, targeting impaired driving as a major cause of road accidents.
Despite the alarming violations, authorities emphasized that enforcement efforts were relentless.
LTO-6 teams, under Regional Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II and Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conlu, with operations led by Regional Law Enforcement Section Deputy Chief Relin Reyes, conducted inspections at key choke points such as the People’s Terminal in Pavia, Ceres Terminal in Tagbac, Dumangas ports, and Iloilo International Airport.
Each public utility vehicle underwent thorough checks for roadworthiness, including tires, brakes, and driver documentation, to ensure passenger safety./PN
