‘Mystery riders’ deployed vs colorum PUVs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has deployed “Mystery Riders” across Northern Mindanao as part of an intensified campaign against colorum, or illegally operating, public utility vehicles (PUVs).

In a statement, LTFRB-Northern Mindanao regional director Aljo Bendijo said the initiative is being implemented in line with LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2026-018 and Board Resolution No. 2026-088.

Under the program, mystery riders will discreetly board PUVs and private vehicles suspected of operating as unauthorized public transport to monitor their actual operations and gather evidence against violators.

“The LTFRB is strictly implementing this policy as part of our continuing efforts to protect passenger safety,” Bendijo said. “Through the Mystery Riders program, we can more effectively monitor public transport operations and identify vehicles operating without the proper franchise or authority.”

To strengthen enforcement, the agency said mystery riders whose reports lead to the successful apprehension of colorum vehicles and the filing of cases will receive incentives.

The LTFRB also confirmed that another illegally operating PUV was recently apprehended and impounded as part of its ongoing campaign.

Bendijo said the crackdown is intended to promote fair competition in the public transport sector while protecting the livelihood of legitimate operators and drivers who comply with government regulations.

He warned that Mystery Rider operations, along with other enforcement activities, will continue until illegal public transport operations in the region are significantly curtailed.

The agency also urged commuters to support the campaign by patronizing only authorized public utility vehicles and reporting suspected colorum operations to the LTFRB.

“LTFRB remains committed to promoting a safe, orderly, and lawful public transportation system in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision,” Bendijo said.