MANILA — Members of the government’s Inter-agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) have apprehended a total of 92 traffic violators during the anti-smoke belching and anti-colorum operations in Pasay and Parañaque cities.
In a press statement released Monday, I-ACT said its personnel, who conducted the “Tanggal Bulok, Tanggal Usok” (TBTU) and “Kamao” operations, apprehended 57 motorists for smoke-belching, and 35 for various other violations cited under the TBTU drive last Thursday.
Personnel of the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulator Board (LTFRB) also impounded eight “colorum” or unregistered vehicles during the operations, including two Toyota Grandia vans driven by two police officers.
Both vehicles were “colorum” vehicles and were unmarked – with one even bearing a sticker of the Office of the President.
According to the IACT Operations team, the two vehicles were being used like UV Express picking up and charging fare from passengers. The two police officers did not resist but attempted to talk their way out with the operatives. One cop was even in uniform and carried his service firearm when flagged down and cited for the violation.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Road Transport and I-ACT head Tim Orbos immediately reported the incident to DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, who directed Orbos to report it to Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde.
“I am disappointed that even those we expect to abide the law first will be caught red-handed,” Orbos said, warning commuters to stop using these private vehicles for public use.
“To those who are planning or using private vehicles for public use, whether you are a civilian or law enforcement personnel, we urge you to stop that activity because I-ACT will have no let-up in its campaign against colorum vehicles,” he added.
Orbos also reminded motorists to also check the roadworthiness and legitimacy of their vehicles’ franchises.
“We are reminding our motorists to make sure that their vehicles are safe to ride on and in the case of public utility vehicles, bearing LTFRB-required markings and case numbers with appropriate legal franchises,” he said. (PR)
