9 LT0 traffic enforcers nabbed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines — Nine traffic enforcers of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) were arrested for allegedly extorting truck drivers in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Thursday.

The suspects were arrested during a joint operation conducted by LTO agents and members of the Caraga police in Barangay Alubijid at around 6 a.m.

Authorities launched the operation after receiving complaints that the suspects were asking money from truck drivers passing through the province.

During the operation, authorities recovered marked money, handheld radios, phones, traffic apprehension forms and other pieces of evidence from the enforcers.

The suspects were brought to the Buenavista police station for questioning.

One of them was reportedly found carrying an unregistered gun.

Police withheld the identities of the enforcers who are facing charges of robbery-extortion and violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Aside from criminal cases, administrative sanctions will be imposed on the enforcers, according to LTO chief Markus Lacanilao.

He said the arrest is proof that no one in the LTO is exempted from the law.

Lacanilao said that integrity and accountability in public service will remain as the top priority of the agency.

“There is no room for corruption among our personnel. Anyone found to have violated the law and the trust placed in them by the public will be held administratively and criminally liable,” he added.

On the same day,  two members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were arrested for commiting a similar offense in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The suspects, who are assigned at the Provost Marshal Unit-Palawan, were collared during an entrapment operation in Barangay Liwanag, according to PCG spokesperson Cmdre. Noemie Cayabyab.

The identities of the suspects were withheld pending results of investigation to be conducted by police and the PCG.