By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Two colorum vans were apprehended by the Special Colorum Team (SCT) of the Land Transportation Office Region VI in separate operations as part of the recently concluded DOTr-LTO OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos: UNDAS 2024 campaign.
On November 6, 2024, the SCT acted on a report about a Mitsubishi FB UV Van with plate number FAQ6748 operating as an unlicensed public utility vehicle along the national highway in Poblacion, Zarraga, Iloilo, allegedly transporting passengers to Dumangas Port.
Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the vehicle was privately owned and lacked the necessary authorization from LTFRB. The van was found to be carrying 9 passengers, each paying a fare of P100.
The driver, identified as Regie Opialda y Caro from Sitio Bamas, Brgy. Maquina, Dumangas, Iloilo, was arrested for violating Republic Act No. 11659, amending Commonwealth Act No. 146, otherwise known as the Public Service Act, and for reckless driving. He was turned over to the Zarraga Police Station for the proper disposition of his case.
Meanwhile, on November 12, 2024, the SCT flagged down a Toyota HiAce Commuter Van with plate number CAG6104 after it picked up passengers roadside in Panit-an, Capiz. A similar inspection revealed that the van was privately owned and lacked the necessary authorization from the LTFRB.
Passengers confirmed paying fares ranging from ₱25 to ₱70. The driver, identified as Joebert Delfin y Malpore from Brgy. Cabungahan, Maayon, Capiz, was arrested for violating Republic Act No. 11659, amending Commonwealth Act No. 146, and for reckless driving. He turned over to the Panit-an Police Station for the proper disposition of his case.
Both vans were subsequently impounded at the LTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (MVIC) in Brgy. San Jose, San Miguel, Iloilo.
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