DIGOS CITY — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region XI has intensified its campaign against the unauthorized manufacture and sale of improvised motor vehicle license plates following a joint law enforcement operation that targeted an establishment allegedly engaged in the production and sale of non-compliant plates in Digos City on September 17, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the LTO Region XI Regional Law Enforcement Section (RLES), led by Senior Transportation Regulation Officer (SrTRO) Yuri H. Lim under the direct supervision of Regional Director Atty. Raphael V. Robillo.
The enforcement activity was carried out by the Regional Law Enforcement Section–Intelligence and Investigation Unit (RLES-IIU), led by Assistant Unit Head Transportation Regulation Officer (TRO) Genesis Catahum and his team, in coordination with TRO Brian B. Sardido, District Enforcer of the LTO XI Digos District Office, and personnel of the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
The joint team targeted an establishment located along 1st Crumb Avenue in Barangay Zone I, Digos City, following information concerning the alleged unauthorized manufacture and sale of improvised motor vehicle license plates.
According to the LTO, the operation resulted in the apprehension of the establishment after it was found allegedly manufacturing and selling license plates that did not comply with prescribed standards.
The enforcement action was undertaken as part of the strict implementation of LTO Memorandum Circular Nos. MVL-2026-5314 and MVL-2026-2721, as well as Memorandum No. MVL-2026-188, in relation to Chapter III, Article II, Section 31 of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
The LTO said the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to curb unauthorized activities involving vehicle license plates and ensure compliance with government-prescribed standards.
Improvised or unauthorized license plates can undermine the system used by authorities to properly identify and monitor registered motor vehicles. Enforcement against their manufacture and sale is therefore intended to ensure that vehicles operating on public roads carry plates issued or authorized under existing transportation regulations.
The latest operation also highlights the continuing coordination between the LTO’s enforcement units and law enforcement agencies in addressing violations involving motor vehicle registration and identification requirements.
The LTO Region XI said its Regional Law Enforcement Section will continue conducting enforcement operations against establishments and individuals found violating existing rules governing the manufacture, issuance, and use of motor vehicle license plates.
Authorities are expected to pursue appropriate legal and administrative proceedings based on the violations established during the operation.