6 LTO enforcers axed over extortion

MANILA, Philippines — Six traffic enforcers of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) have been sacked after they were accused of extorting money from drivers during the campaign against colorum public utility vehicles (PUVs).

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II ordered the filing of complaints against the enforcers.

“They are under preventive suspension. I will personally monitor this case. I have also ordered the filing of administrative and criminal cases against them,” he said.

Mendoza said the illegal activities of the LTO personnel were reported by confidential agents he deployed.

He said the enforcers allegedly demanded money from the agents who posed to be drivers of colorum PUVs.

“This should serve as a warning to all LTO enforcers,” Mendoza said.

According to the LTO chief, he deployed the confidential agents to ensure that the anti-colorum operations are implemented properly.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has ordered Mendoza to further intensify the campaign against colorum PUVs.

The team leaders of the six LTO enforcers will also be included in the investigation for gross negligence and command responsibility, Mendoza said.

“There will be no strike two or strike three for erring LTO personnel. If they are caught, they will be relieved and will face both criminal and administrative cases,” he said.

Mendoza said the identities of the LTO enforcers would be released pending the result of the probe.