Each tricycle driver plying Barangay North Baluarte, Molo District in Iloilo City was flagged down morning on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

They were asked to present pertinent documents such as their driver’s license and transportf franchise.

Willard Abantao, tricycle driver, was checked thoroughly whether his passenger is indeed his wife, after he said that the woman is not just a passenger. Abantao failed to present a driver’s license and a franchise.

“Matagal ko nang alam kaso nagmamadali kami dahil magpapa-checkup ng karamdaman ko…arthritis,” Abantao said.

Another tricycle driver identified as Kilmer Libuna was issued a citation ticket. Libuna argued he does not use the tricycle for ferrying passengers. He pointed out that he uses the vehicle to deliver fish for a living.

“Ako, hindi ako namamasahe. Pero wala akong magawa kasi ganyan ang kanilang batas,” Libuna said.

The stringent apprehension of drivers of colorum tricycles in Iloilo City began on June 19, 2025.

A long line of tricycles was pulled by a rope toward the impounding area.

In the initial data of the Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO), a total of 25 drivers was apprehended on June 19, 2025, or seven tricycles, 16 electric tricycles (e-trikes), one pedicab, and one “kolong-kolong” or motorcycle with sidecar.

“Ang lahat na (for) impounding at walang dokumento, hindi namin iri-release until such time na makumpleto nila o ma-renew nila ang mga dokumento,” said Uldarico Garbanzos, head of the Iloilo City TTMO.

Aside from tricycles, e-trike drivers plying the national road were also apprehended.

E-trike drivers, on the other hand, questioned the alleged disorderly and incoherent manner the traffic enforcers were explaining about traffic violations.

“Syempre, natural magtatanong ka kung ano ang violation ma’am and sir. Sabi niya, doon ka na lang sa tanggapan magreklamo,” Salde Centina, an e-trike driver, said.

"Part ito ng kanilang test mission ngayong umaga. So whatever, kung may debriefing mamaya na mangyayari, kung ano ang issues and concern, part ito ng aming pag-uusapan upang ma-improve," Garbanzos said.