5 Bohol LTO men sacked for manhandling rider

MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon yesterday announced the dismissal of five Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforcers for harassing a motorcycle driver they caught carrying a bladed weapon in Panglao, Bohol on Friday.

“We are the people’s servants, not their lords. In that context, I would like to announce in behalf of the DOTr (Department of Transportation) and the LTO that effective today, we are dismissing the law enforcers involved in the incident in Panglao,” Dizon said at a press conference.

The incident sparked outrage on social media after a netizen uploaded a video showing five LTO men dragging the rider, identified only as 57-year-old Mang Bert, off his motorcycle. Bert reportedly identified himself as a farmer and that he uses the knife when working in his farm.

Dizon stressed that he would not tolerate such behavior from government employees.

“I already consulted (LTO chief) Assistant Secretary Vigor (Mendoza II). Based on the information gathered by (Transportation) Assistant Secretary Jojo Reyes, they will be dismissed immediately. This is without prejudice to future cases that may be filed, depending on the outcome of the pending investigation,” Dizon said.

He added that Reyes met with Bert and his family in the hospital.

“If there are reports that Mang Bert, a farmer from Panglao was drunk, even if it is true that he was holding a knife, even if it comes out during investigation that he was riding a colorum motorcycle – even if all these are true, it cannot justify the violence of the law enforcers,” Dizon said.

The DOTr chief noted that reports of the victim being a brother of a former vice mayor was not considered in his decision.

“Even if there are violations, it is incumbent on law enforcers, especially, to always exercise maximum tolerance,” Dizon said.

Review LTO, LTFRB rules

Meanwhile, Dizon said a task force would be formed to review the apprehension procedures of the LTO and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for motorcycle riders.

“I would like to announce that the DOTr would create a task force, to be headed by Assistant Secretary Jojo Reyes, which will be conducting a sweeping review of all policies and regulations covering the use of motorcycles by both the LTO and LTFRB. We need to review the current regulations as it is possible that this is a source of abusive behavior by our law enforcers,” Dizon said.

He noted that even before being appointed as DOTr chief, he was aware that many motorcycles were being apprehended by the LTO and LTFRB enforcers.

“When I entered the DOTr last week, I learned that the lack of motorcycle plates has been a problem for 10 years. Why would you make them suffer when it is the government who is at fault for failure to provide motorcycle plates?” Dizon said.

Mendoza said the LTO would review its protocols, saying the incident “is an eye opener for us.”