Viral video of 5 riders fighting in Lipa City sparks DOTr probe

The Department of Transportation has ordered an investigation into a viral video where five motorcycle riders were seen fighting along a road in Lipa City, Batangas.

According to a 24 Oras report by Dano Tingcungco on Wednesday, the viral video initially showed two riders in an altercation of unknown origins.

A separate video showed two other riders attacking another rider who was lying on the asphalt, while another shot showed a different rider throwing helmets at two other riders, and another rider kicking a motorcycle that toppled on the road.

The DOTr said it is working to trace the plate numbers and identities of the riders and their vehicles, in relation to an issuance of show cause orders.

The agency is also coordinating with local authorities and law enforcement.

“Nakakalungkot na may ganitong klaseng tao pa rin na talagang so violent… If they are driver’s license holders, it appears na they are not, they’re an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. Yung mga ganitong ugali, mga ganitong gawain ay dapat talaga hindi binibigyan ng lisensya,” said DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

(It is unfortunate there seems to be people who are really so violent… If they are driver’s license holders, it appears that they are not, they’re an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. [People who display] these kinds of behaviors, these kinds of actions should not be issued with a license.)

“Pagka sila ay sangkot sa ganitong napakabayolenteng gawain, pakikipag-away at mismong kalsada, kailangan nilang ipaliwanag. Kasi lumalabas na sila’y improper person to operate a vehicle… ‘Yung ugali nila, kaugalian po nila. Pangalawa, pagkatapos ng pagdinig, maaaring masuspend ang kanilang licenses o marevoke,” he added.

(If they are involved in these types of violent actions, such as fighting in the middle of the road, then they need to explain. This seems like an improper person to operate a vehicle… These behaviors they are showing. Second, after the hearing, their licenses might be suspended or revoked.)

While the identities and reason of the altercation is currently unclear, GMA Integrated News has reached out to the relevant barangay and police offices of the area where the incident occurred. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News