Dizon condemns LTO enforcers’ manhandling of Bohol farmer

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) is forming a special task force to conduct a “sweeping review” of policies governing motorcycle use, following a controversial enforcement incident in Panglao, Bohol.

At a media briefing on Monday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the task force, to be led by Transportation Assistant Secretary Dioscoro T. Reyes, will reassess existing Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regulations to address potential loopholes that may enable abusive enforcement practices.

“We need to review and reassess the current regulations as they may be contributing to abusive behavior by our law enforcers,” Dizon said.

The move was prompted by an incident in Panglao that resulted in the dismissal of five LTO enforcers, pending a full investigation.

Dizon underscored that law enforcement should serve and protect the public, “not make their lives more difficult.”

A widely circulated video last week showed LTO personnel stopping a motorcycle rider during an operation.

The rider, who identified himself as a farmer and admitted that he had a knife, was roughly and forcibly pulled from his motorcycle and detained at the Panglao Police Station.

LTO Region 7 has since expressed regret over the incident, but maintained that it was carried out “for safety and public order.”

The LTO-7’s explanation did not sit well with Dizon, however, who said: “We cannot allow this kind of behavior by our law enforcers. No one can justify the violence shown by these enforcers.”

Meanwhile, Dizon recently established the Flagship Project Management Office to fast-track delayed infrastructure projects.