3 PUJs using “cloned” plates impounded

CEBU, Philippines — The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) has apprehended three public utility jeepneys (PUJs) allegedly using cloned or "double" license plates as authorities intensify their crackdown on the illegal scheme.

TEAM chief Hyll Retuya said the operation was launched after the agency received reports from a reliable source about vehicles allegedly operating in Mandaue City with duplicate license plates.

Most of the reported vehicles were traditional PUJs, particularly multicabs plying the Compostela-Liloan-Mandaue route.

“Pwerteng daghana,” Retuya said, describing the number of vehicles allegedly involved in the scheme.

Within two weeks of the operation, TEAM apprehended three PUJs, which are now being held at the agency's impounding area.

Retuya said deputized traffic enforcers issued Temporary Operator's Permits (TOPs) to the drivers while the cases are being referred to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The operation was carried out in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the LTFRB.

According to Retuya, the suspected scheme involves a single legitimate license plate and franchise allegedly being used by several vehicles.

Investigators also questioned the drivers of the apprehended units to determine how they came to use license plates that did not match their vehicles' chassis and engine numbers.

Retuya said some drivers failed to present vehicle documents, while others produced documents that did not correspond with the vehicles they were operating.

Verification with the LTFRB further showed that the documents of the three impounded vehicles had already expired, although all of the drivers possessed valid driver's licenses.

None of the drivers admitted responsibility for the alleged scheme, claiming they had no knowledge of how the license plates ended up on their vehicles.

“Wala pa man sad gyud niangkon, kay according to them wala gyud silay idea pero very suspicious lang ba kay nganong makagamit sila ana nga ilang plate number which is unmatched gyud sa ilang chassis ug engine number,” Retuya said.

Retuya said TEAM has so far received reports involving six vehicles allegedly using cloned license plates, adding that authorities believe more units may be involved.

“Posible pa nga daghan pa kay kani ang amo raman ning nadawat na report, pero karon we are on guard na ani sa kadalanan,” Retuya said.

He said traffic personnel have been instructed to flag down vehicles found using suspicious or mismatched license plates.

Retuya warned that the alleged practice poses risks to the public because of its fraudulent nature.

“Pagpanikas man ni, kay ngano man diay og magkuha lang og tinuod nga prangkisa, dili lang ta manlimbong,” he said. (CEBU NEWS)