LTO, PNP arrest alleged fixer posing as regional director’s relative

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 1, in coordination with the Philippine National Police in Rosales, Pangasinan, arrested an individual allegedly engaged in fixing activities and claiming to be a relative of LTO Region 1 Regional Director Glorioso Daniel Z. Martinez.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the LTO Rosales District Office and the Rosales police under Police Maj. Arnold A. Soriano.

The LTO said the arrest was part of its campaign against fixers and irregular transactions under its “Zero Corruption & Non-Appearance Policy,” a priority directive under LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao’s seven-point agenda.

According to the agency, the suspect allegedly invoked Martinez’s name and claimed a connection to the regional director to facilitate transactions, prompting authorities to conduct the coordinated operation.

LTO Region 1 warned the public against individuals who claim to have special access to government officials or offer to expedite transactions in exchange for money or favors.

The agency urged anyone who may have transacted with or been solicited by the suspect to report their complaints to LTO and law enforcement authorities to assist the ongoing investigation.

The LTO reiterated that transactions must be conducted only through authorized personnel and official channels. It also stressed that no individual is authorized to act as a fixer or intermediary in exchange for unauthorized fees or other consideration.

Daily Tribune sought comment from Martinez regarding the arrest and the alleged use of his name, but he had not responded to calls as of press time.

The LTO said the operation is part of its continuing efforts to curb corruption and protect the public from unauthorized intermediaries in government transactions.