Task Force Alpha probe starts Tuesday

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) - 7 will start Tuesday its investigation to determine the real circumstances on the harassment complaint Cebu City treasurer Ofelia Oliva and her daughter filed against six deputized agents of Task Force Alpha.

That, as Oliva stressed that they are complete with supporting documents to prove that they own the car and that it is registered with the Land Transportation Office.

LTO-7 Director Raul Aguilos, however, said that the car driven by Karen Olvido, Oliva’s daughter, has no record of registration at their regional office.

“Yes, no record found in our data base,” Aguilos said.

Aguilos said that under LTO’s rules and regulations, if the vehicle is found to be unregistered, the penalty is P4,000.00. He added that under their rules, if the motor vehicle is found to have been illegally registered, the vehicle can be placed under alarm status and cannot be registered anymore.

But in an interview with Oliva yesterday, she said they are complete with documents to prove that they own the car and that it is registered.

“Kompleto gyud kaayo mi ‘day with OR/CR (Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration). It is now up for them to further their research,” Oliva said. (We have the complete papers.)

She said that they are complete with documents except for the sticker, which, they were told, was not available at the LTO during the time. She said that the vehicle was bought by his son-in-law last year through a loan that they are still paying until now. It was a surplus car.

“Ang lisensya ra man gud ilang gitan-aw. Wala nila tan-awa ang OR/CR,” Oliva said.

She said that there must be something wrong with the LTO’s system if their car’s registration is not reflected in the records.

“They must stop concocting malicious accusation against us kay basin unya kasuhan sad nako sila og libel,” Oliva said. (I might file a libel case against them.)

In the case of Olvido, Aguilos said this would still be investigated when she presents her valid and regular registration records at the regional office.

“At the moment, the owner will be charged for using an unregistered vehicle subject to the presentation of documents during the hearing,” Aguilos said.

Six deputized agents of Task Force Alpha led by Stephen Ybañez flaggged down Olvido’s car after noticing its defective headlights. Olvido asked the agent to tap on the lights as these were loose but the agent reportedly got angry and demanded for her driver’s license, which she refused to give.

The incident caused a traffic jam in the area.

Task Force Alpha is a volunteer group accredited by LTO to assist in the implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulation. Aguilos said they can revoke the deputization order of any agent found guilty of violating their order.

Aguilos added that they discourage roadside arguments as these would create commotions and it is best for the complainants to go to their office and lodge the complaint. —(FREEMAN)