LTO: 7,252 colorum vehicles apprehended in February

Over 7,000 motor vehicles were apprehended nationwide in February amid the intensified “No Registration, No Travel” policy implemented by the Land Transportation Office.

In a statement on Friday, the LTO said that a total of 7,252 vehicles had been apprehended and 1,653 vehicles had been impounded nationwide.

The crackdown would continue to ensure the roadworthiness of vehicles and the safety of road users.

“Patuloy ang ating agresibong operasyon [laban sa colorum vehicles] kaya muli ay nanawagan tayo sa mga delinquent motor vehicles na huwag ng hintayin na mahuli pa kayo dahil mas malaki ang babayaran ninyo at baka-maimpound pa ang mga sasakyan ninyo,” said LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Attorney Vigor Mendoza II.

(Our aggressive operations against colorum vehicles are continuous so we are once again calling for delinquent motor vehicles not to wait until they get apprehended as this will cause higher fines and may lead to the impounding of their vehicles.)

Data from regional offices also show that 243 motor vehicles were apprehended for picking up passengers without necessary permits from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

“Let this serve as a stern warning to both the delinquent motor vehicle owners that we will continue with this operation because this involves road safety and your obligation that comes with motor vehicle ownership,” said Mendoza.

“The same warning goes to operators and drivers of colorum vehicles. Marami na tayong nakasuhan dito at hindi kami titigil until such time that you are held accountable for your illegal activities,” he added.

(The same warning goes to operators and drivers of colorum vehicles. We have filed numerous charges and we will not stop until such time that you are held accountable for your illegal activities.)

In January, the LTO announced a partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard to aid their intensified operations against colorum vehicles.

The partnership followed after transport groups complained about unregistered vehicles operating along their routes, causing over 30% loss of daily income.

“We understand these concerns, and this is the reason why we have been strengthening our coordination and interoperability with the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies against these colorum vehicles,” said Mendoza. — DVM, GMA Integrated News