9 LTO enforcers arrested for extortion racket vs Mindanao-bound truck drivers

Nine enforcers of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Caraga region were caught red-handed in the act of allegedly extorting truck drivers entering Mindanao.

According to John Consulta’s exclusive report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, the erring enforcers allegedly demanded up to P2,000 from truck drivers.

“Merong mga LTO enforcers na hinigingan yung mga truck drivers ranging from P500 up to P2,000. Ang Caraga po kasi parang gateway ‘yan papasok ng Mindanao. So lahat ng mga truck pumapasok diyan kapag magde-deliver, which is ‘yung papunta ng Davao,” said LTO chief Markus Lacanilao.

(There are LTO enforcers who extort truck drivers for amounts ranging from P500 up to P2,000. Caraga serves as a gateway into Mindanao. So all trucks pass through there when making deliveries, specifically those heading to Davao.)

The operation stemmed from complaints that the LTO received regarding the alleged extortion scheme.

“May pumunta kasi sa akin na mga truckers na nabibiktima nila. Sinumbong nga po ‘yan, bawat galaw, ultimong ‘yung mga truck ng saging, agri. ‘Yung mga kababayan nating naghahanap buhay nang patas, ‘yun ‘yung mga ginigipit nila,” Lacanilao said.

(Some of the victimized truckers actually came to me. They reported every single move, even on trucks carrying bananas and other agricultural goods. They are harassing our fellow citizens who are just trying to earn an honest living.)

The LTO main office and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga immediately conducted an operation against the erring enforcers.

“Ayaw hong tumigil eh. Masyado na pong perwisyo,” Lacanilao said.

(They just wouldn't stop. They have become too much of a public nuisance.)

GMA News is trying to get comments from the arrested LTO enforcers who are now facing complaints for robbery extortion.

“Ikulong po ngayon ‘yan. May administrative case silang mga kahaharapin. Automatic po ‘yan, masu-suspend pero ang recommendation ko po ay tanggalin,” Lacanilao added.

(Jail them immediately. They will face administrative cases. They will be automatically suspended, but my recommendation is to dismiss them from the service.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA News