Baguio ‘road rager’ summoned by LTO

BAGUIO CITY — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has ordered a motorist to explain his actions after a viral video captured him allegedly pointing a handgun at a parking attendant near a local tourist attraction last week.

The LTO issued a show cause order requiring the driver to appear before its Intelligence and Investigation Division on 8 January.

The driver must submit a sworn statement explaining why he should not be permanently declared an “improper person to operate a motor vehicle,” a designation that would result in the revocation of his license.

Reports said that the confrontation occurred on Longlong Road in Barangay Pinsao Proper, near the Igorot Stone Kingdom. The dispute reportedly began when a visitor disagreed with a parking attendant over fees.

Witnesses said the driver exited his vehicle and drew a handgun on an attendant who was attempting to assist a colleague.

During the encounter, the driver allegedly identified himself as an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation. A companion of the driver was also filmed challenging the attendant to a fight.

LTO Assistant Secretary V. Lacanilao said holding a driver’s license is a privilege that requires discipline.

“The agency will not hesitate to revoke the privileges of any individual proven to be a threat to public safety or unable to drive with responsibility and respect,” Lacanilao said.

The LTO has placed the driver’s vehicle under “alarm” status, blocking any future registration transactions, and ordered the driver to surrender his physical license.

Authorities are currently verifying whether the suspect is actually employed by the National Bureau of Investigation.

The video, which circulated widely on social media, drew sharp criticism from Baguio residents who called for tourists to show more patience and respect toward local workers.