In line with the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza ordered the regional director of LTO Region 7 to issue a preventive suspension order against enforcers involved in a viral video from Bohol.
Mendoza said the suspension, as instructed by Secretary Dizon, should take immediate effect and will remain in place until a thorough investigation is completed.
“My instruction is to finish the investigation in the soonest possible time in order to ferret out the truth, determine if there was any lapses, and punish those who would be found liable,” Mendoza said.
On Friday, 28 February, a video allegedly showing LTO enforcers manhandling a motorcycle rider in Panglao went viral on social media, sparking public outcry.
Secretary Dizon has already ordered the immediate preventive suspension of all LTO personnel involved and vowed a deeper investigation into the incident.
“This will remain in effect pending the completion of a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event,” the DOTr said regarding the suspension order.
Mendoza also instructed LTO Region 7 Director Glen Galario to fully cooperate with the investigating team formed by Secretary Dizon.
Meanwhile, Mendoza apologized for the incident and assured the public that corrective measures will be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.