The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region IV-A (CALABARZON) Law Enforcement Service (RLES) apprehended six Honda Civic cars illegally modified into racing vehicles over the weekend in Batangas City.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said the cars were seized during RLES operations conducted Sunday, 7 December in Lipa, Padre Garcia and Rosario, Batangas.

“The illegal modification being done to these vehicles, especially if they are used for illegal racing, is not only a violation of the law but a serious danger to the lives of everyone on the road,” Lacanilao said in a statement.

“We will not stop implementing strict laws — all vehicles used in such illegal activities, traffic violations, regardless of type or class, will be apprehended without bias. Road safety is the LTO’s primary priority, and we are ready to take steps to prevent avoidable incidents,” he added.

LTO Region IV-A director Elmer J. Decena reported that the operation was based on Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and the enforced “no registration, no travel” policy.

Decena specified that the apprehended vehicles included five Honda Civic EG Hatchback types and one SiR model. The owners violated several provisions of traffic laws, including non-registration, defective or illegal use of accessories, and improvised license plates.

Two of the EG Hatchbacks had defective headlights and mufflers, while others featured rear bumpers with “speed holes.” One EG Hatchback was found without a rear bumper and side mirror, and was charged with illegal parking and obstruction in addition to non-registration.

The impounded cars are currently held at the LTO Lipa District Office. Decena vowed that his office would continue to follow Lacanilao’s directive to pursue traffic rule violators.