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

LTO chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao said the modified cars were seized during operations conducted by RLES in Lipa, Padre Garcia and Rosario in Batangas last Sunday (7 December).

“Ang ilegal na modipikasyon na ginagawa sa kanilang mga sasakyan lalo na kung ito ay gagamitin na iligal na pang-karera, ay hindi lamang paglabag sa batas kundi isang malaking panganib sa buhay ng lahat ng nasa kalsada. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagpapatupad ng mahigpit na batas – lahat ng sasakyang ginagamit sa ganitong ilegal na gawain, mga paglabag sa batas trapiko, anuman ang uri o klase, ay huhulihin nang walang kinikilingan. Ang kaligtasan sa kalsada ay pangunahing prayoridad ng LTO, at handa tayong gumawa ng mga hakbang para pigilan ang mga insidente na maaaring iwasan,” Lacanilao said.

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

He said the seized Honda Civics included five EG hatchback units and an SiR, whose owners violated multiple traffic provisions, including non-registration, defective or illegal accessories, and improvised plate numbers.

Decena added that two EG hatchbacks had defective headlights and mufflers, while others had rear bumpers with “speed holes.” One EG hatchback had no rear bumper and no side mirror, was parked illegally and was further charged with obstruction and no registration.

The vehicles were impounded at the LTO Lipa District Office, with Decena vowing to continue implementing Lacanilao’s directive to pursue traffic violators.