Dizon sacks 2 LTO officials

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Monday announced the relief of two Land Transportation Office (LTO) officials in Region II after a viral video showed them physically assaulting a man, with one of the victims allegedly a minor.

In a press conference at the LTO main office in Quezon City, Dizon identified the officials as Assistant Regional Director Manuel Baricaua and officer Charles Ursulum. The two were seen punching and kicking a man during a public event in Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

Dizon described the behavior as “inexcusable,” noting that the act prompted him to write a formal request to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, seeking the permanent removal of Baricaua from his post.

“Kitang-kita mo na nga sa video na tinadyakan ‘yung mga kababayan natin,” Dizon said. “There is no need to debate this. The video speaks for itself.”

While an internal investigation is still ongoing, Dizon emphasized that the video alone was enough basis to relieve both officials from their duties.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II confirmed that both Baricaua and Ursulum had been given due process.

“Sa utos ni Secretary Vince, we immediately executed a notice to explain. Sumagot na ho sila last week,” Mendoza said. “So as far as due process is concerned, napagbigyan ho natin to explain their side.”

However, Mendoza added that the footage had not been refuted by the two officials. “Hindi naman na-refute ‘yung nangyari sa video so it’s deemed to be fact.”