ILOILO City – Transport authorities are tightening their crackdown on illegally operating vehicles across Western Visayas as the Halloween travel rush intensifies, warning operators against using private vehicles to ferry paying passengers without government authorization.
Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 has intensified roadside inspections, intercepted unauthorized commercial vehicles and ordered the redeployment of enforcement personnel to major roads and cemetery routes beginning Wednesday, October 28.
The heightened operations come amid concerns over commuter safety and the proliferation of unauthorized transport services seeking to capitalize on increased passenger demand during the observance of All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2).
Since January, LTO-6 has apprehended more than 200 colorum or franchise-less vehicles across Western Visayas, including motorcycles, tricycles, taxis, sedans, vans and multipurpose vehicles.
Under its ongoing “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2026,” the agency has inspected more than 2,500 public utility vehicles since October 23, issued over 60 Temporary Operator’s Permits for various violations, impounded three colorum vehicles and placed two heavy-duty wing vans under technical impoundment.
Among the latest violators was a privately registered van intercepted at the Mohon Terminal in Arevalo, Iloilo City, on October 25 while transporting tourists from Antique for a fee without the required franchise.
The operation was carried out by the Regional Law Enforcement Section headed by Chief Jetster T. Mandadero.
In Passi City, LTO personnel led by Acting District Office Chief Relin Reyes also intercepted two wing vans hired to transport commercial parcels without valid operating authority.
Verification with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board revealed that the vehicles’ applications for Certificates of Public Convenience had been dismissed and their Provisional Authorities canceled.
Enforcers confiscated their license plates, placed the vehicles under technical impoundment and permanently flagged their records for colorum operations.
LTO-6 regional director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II warned that unauthorized transport operations not only violate government regulations but also undermine passenger safety and the livelihood of legitimate operators.
“Operating unauthorized passenger services compromises commuter safety and creates unfair competition for legitimate transport operators who comply with statutory requirements,” Geduspan stated, urging operators to secure proper LTFRB franchises before offering transport for pay.
Violators face substantial fines, vehicle impoundment and administrative penalties under Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.
The Public Service Act and Executive Order No. 202 require passenger services under LTFRB jurisdiction to secure a valid Certificate of Public Convenience or temporary authorization.
Section 7 of Republic Act No. 4136 also prohibits privately registered vehicles from carrying passengers for compensation.
Enforcement has become stricter following the implementation of LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2024-038, which removed previous franchise exemptions for leased private vehicles and rent-a-car services.
Cemetery routes next
As the first phase of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos concluded on October 27, LTO-6 is shifting its attention from transport terminals and departure corridors to roads leading to cemeteries, columbaria and memorial parks.
The second phase, running from October 28 to November 4, will concentrate on major thoroughfares, traffic bottlenecks and cemetery access roads where heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic is anticipated.
Enforcement personnel will monitor compliance with transport regulations while helping manage traffic during the holiday observance.
LTO-6 has also conducted road safety briefings covering seat belt use, child passenger safety, motorcycle helmet requirements and the prohibition against distracted driving./PN
