Land Transportation Office Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, said Friday that they will collaborate with the Philippine National Police to enhance their campaign against unauthorized or "colorum" public utility vehicles nationwide.

Mendoza added they have asked the Philippine National Police's Highway Patrol Group and its other concerned units to play a crucial role in bolstering the crackdown on colorum PUVs.

The LTO chief issued the statement in responding to complaints from transport groups about losing 30 percent of their income due to the illicit operations of colorum vehicles.

"This complaint from the transportation sector has been long-standing, that's why we are seeking assistance from the PNP to strengthen our forces and put an end to these illegal operations," Mendoza said.

In a recent meeting with LTO's top officials, Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stressed the importance of sustaining anti-colorum operations.

"I know Asec. Vigor has already implemented many programs regarding this, and we should continue the enforcement to apprehend colorum operators. It's a pity for the legitimate transport operators who incur significant expenses but can't generate the revenue they deserve due to colorum operations," Bautista said.

"Through our efforts, we can make their business profitable and sustainable," he added.

Mendoza previously instructed all LTO regional directors to intensify the campaign against colorum PUVs in their respective areas, leading to the apprehension of unauthorized vehicles.

He also initiated dialogues with transport groups, who, in turn, provided volunteers as covert drivers for colorum PUVs to ensure that the crackdown doesn't result in extortion activities.

As a result, at least six LTO enforcers have been removed from their positions and are currently under investigation for alleged extortion activities.

"As we intensify our campaign against unauthorized public vehicles, we will also ensure that it is being enforced properly and with integrity on the ground," Mendoza said.