Over 40 public utility vehicles have been apprehended in a nationwide crackdown on illegal transport operations from 25 June to 1 July, conducted by the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP).

According to PNP-AVSEGROUP Acting Director Pbgen Jason Capoy, the operations, carried out in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), were based on passenger complaints and intelligence reports.

“Unlike previous efforts, these were complaint-driven. We had prior information on certain taxis known to be overcharging or contracting,” Capoy said.

Of the vehicles apprehended nationwide, 28 were public utility vehicles, seven were UV Express units, and 11 were motorcycles used for “habal habal,” bringing the total number of apprehended vehicles to 46.

Most of the apprehensions took place at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, while others were conducted at Davao International Airport, General Santos International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Catarman Airport in Northern Samar.

The recent crackdowns follow a viral video involving taxi driver Felix Opina, recorded overcharging a passenger for a short trip from NAIA.

Opina revealed an extortion system called the “hatag scheme,” allegedly involving corrupt airport personnel, where drivers keep 60 percent of their earnings while the remaining 40 percent is handed over to airport officers.