The Land Transportation Office (LTO) warned the public on Saturday against a fake online alert circulating on social media claiming that the agency had tapped the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to apprehend luxury vehicles.

According to the LTO, the false alert alleged that LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao had issued a memorandum order directing the LTO and HPG to randomly pull over imported, project, and exotic cars to inspect importation and tax documents. It also claimed authorities would cross-check engine numbers and penalize so-called “illegal modifications,” such as loud exhaust systems.

The fake alert further stated that the HPG was allegedly instructed to ticket vehicles with tires older than five years, branding them “not roadworthy,” and warned that vehicle registrations would supposedly be affected by these new rules.

Lacanilao categorically denied the claims, saying the circulating online alert was fake.

“These are fake news alerts,” Lacanilao said, adding that the information spreading online is false. “There’s no such directive, policy, or memorandum that has been issued.”

The LTO chief reminded the public to verify information only through official LTO channels and urged motorists to refrain from sharing unverified social media posts that could cause confusion or unnecessary panic.

“For accurate updates, please follow the official LTO website and social media pages,” Lacanilao said.