BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte — Nine individuals connected with the regional office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Caraga were arrested during a joint entrapment operation on Thursday morning following allegations that they had been extorting money from motorists and transport operators in exchange for favorable treatment during roadside inspections.
The operation was conducted in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, and was spearheaded by the LTO Central Office in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office-13, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and the Buenavista Municipal Police Station.
Authorities said the operation stemmed from multiple complaints lodged by motorists who claimed that certain LTO personnel had been demanding money during roadside enforcement activities. According to initial reports, the suspects allegedly solicited cash from drivers in exchange for processing transactions, avoiding violations, or facilitating the release of vehicles and documents.
A source from the LTO Central Office, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, confirmed in an interview with local media that the arrested individuals were implicated in alleged extortion activities targeting motorists.
“The operation was the result of numerous complaints received by the Central Office regarding the modus operandi allegedly employed by these personnel during road inspections,” the source said.
Investigators are now working to establish the full extent of the alleged scheme, including identifying additional victims and determining whether similar activities had been taking place in other areas under the jurisdiction of LTO-Caraga.
Drivers Welcome Arrests
The arrests were welcomed by members of the transport sector, many of whom claimed they had long suffered from alleged harassment and illegal collections by some enforcement personnel.
One driver interviewed by local media expressed relief over the operation, saying that the alleged activities of the suspects had caused significant hardship among motorists and public utility vehicle operators.
The driver further claimed that in February this year, he was allegedly forced to pay P15,000 after being flagged down during a roadside inspection.
He alleged that some of the personnel involved demanded money in exchange for allowing him to continue his trip without further complications.
Such allegations have fueled public concern over possible abuses within government enforcement operations and have prompted calls for stricter oversight and accountability.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have yet to release the identities of the arrested individuals pending the completion of the investigation. Officials are currently gathering documentary evidence, witness testimonies, and other materials that may support the filing of criminal and administrative charges.
Possible charges could include extortion, grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violations of anti-corruption laws, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The LTO Central Office emphasized that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and vowed to pursue all individuals found guilty of abusing their authority.
Law enforcement agencies likewise assured the public that anti-corruption operations within government institutions will continue, particularly against personnel accused of exploiting motorists and the general public.
The successful operation underscores the government’s continuing efforts to cleanse public offices of corrupt practices and restore public trust in agencies tasked with enforcing transportation laws and regulations.
Officials encouraged motorists who may have been victimized by similar schemes to come forward and cooperate with investigators as the case progresses.