ILOILO City – More than 1,200 vehicles were inspected in a road safety crackdown across Iloilo as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) launched its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” in Western Visayas ahead of the Holy Week exodus and summer vacation rush, targeting public utility vehicles (PUVs) to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety.
The intensified inspections began March 23, even as transport cooperatives and corporations observed a citywide transport holiday, with LTO-6 enforcement teams fanning out across major roads, terminals, ports, and the airport to check svehicle roadworthiness and driver compliance.
Under the leadership of Regional Director Gaudioso Geduspan II and Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conlu, law enforcement teams conducted inspections at key passenger hubs, including the People’s Terminal in Pavia, Iloilo; Ceres Terminal in Barangay Tagbac, Jaro, Iloilo City; Mohon Terminal in Molo district here; as well as the Iloilo and Dumangas ports and the Iloilo International Airport.
On the first day alone, more than 500 vehicles were inspected, focusing on critical safety components such as tires and brakes, along with driver documentation.
Inspections intensified on March 24, with over 700 more vehicles checked in terminals across Iloilo City and the province.
In support of the operation, LTO Region 6 district offices also set up Public Assistance Desks in strategic locations to respond to traveler inquiries and provide assistance.
“The first day of operations proved that the high-readiness of LTO-6 enforcement teams can withstand external disruptions. By prioritizing the inspection of tires, brakes, and driver documentation even during a transport holiday, this Regional Office ensured that the PUVs remaining on the road were safe for the early wave of Holy Week exodus,” part of the statement of LTO-6.
Authorities also urged motorists to conduct thorough vehicle checks before traveling to avoid breakdowns and accidents, while advising passengers to plan trips early and arrive ahead of schedule at terminals to avoid congestion and inconvenience during the peak travel period./PN
