POLICE arrested a suspected fixer during an entrapment operation at the LTO–Koronadal District Office. Photo from Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines on Facebook.
NATION

Gensan-based fixer arrested in LTO Koronadal sting

Gilbert Gorgonio Jr.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — A suspected fixer was arrested during an entrapment operation conducted at the Land Transportation Office (LTO)–Koronadal District Office along Waling-waling Street, Barangay Zone 4, Koronadal City, at around 10:30 a.m. on 15 January 2026.

Koronadal City Police Chief Lt. Col. Peter Pinalgan Jr. identified the suspect as Abdulmaula Mangakoy, 56, married, and a resident of Barangay Fatima, General Santos City. The suspect was immediately taken into custody following the operation.

According to Pinalgan, the entrapment was carried out after authorities received reports alleging corrupt practices and the presence of fixers operating within or around the LTO office. The operation aimed to curb illegal transactions that bypass official procedures and undermine public service integrity.

During the arrest, police recovered P2,000, which was reportedly used as marked money in the illegal transaction. The seized amount is now being held as evidence.

Law enforcement authorities are conducting further investigation to determine whether the suspect has accomplices and to identify other individuals who may be involved in similar activities.

Mangakoy is expected to face charges under Republic Act No. 9485, or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, which penalizes corrupt practices such as fixing and other acts that impede the transparent and efficient delivery of government services.