ILOILO CITY — The Land Transportation Office Region VI (LTO-6) has apprehended 168 colorum vehicles since January as authorities intensify roadside operations against unauthorized passenger transport across Western Visayas.

Five more vehicles were intercepted during random inspections Thursday by the LTO-6 Regional Law Enforcement Section in Iloilo City and a nearby municipality, bringing the year-to-date total to 168.

The latest apprehensions involved three vans, a multipurpose vehicle and a sedan, all allegedly transporting passengers for a fee without the required franchise.

Regional Law Enforcement Section chief Jetster Mandadero said the sedan had been rented for P2,000 for a trip from Iloilo City to Miag-ao.

The other four vehicles were also found carrying paying passengers, including a red Toyota Innova transporting several government employees to a farm in San Joaquin, Iloilo. Each passenger reportedly paid P650 for the trip.

All five vehicles were impounded by the LTO-6.

LTO-6 director Gaudioso Geduspan II said the continuing apprehensions highlight the risks posed by unauthorized public transport operations.

“Operating a colorum vehicle is a risk not only to the driver, but also to the riding public,” Geduspan said.

She urged vehicle owners and van operators to secure the necessary franchise before accepting passengers for a fee.

Geduspan said random roadside inspections will continue across Western Visayas as the LTO-6 intensifies efforts to remove colorum vehicles from the region’s roads and protect commuters from unauthorized transport services.

The LTO-6 said the operations are part of its continuing campaign to ensure that passenger vehicles operating in the region comply with transportation regulations and safety requirements.