400 Central Visayas cops deputized to catch traffic violators

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office-7 announced that it has deputized over 400 police personnel in Central Visayas and can now apprehend traffic violators.

LTO-7 Director Victor Caindec said that the deputized personnel from PNP can legitimately apprehend motor vehicles and drivers who violate the traffic rules covered under RA 4136 and specific violations outlined under JAO2014-01.

Caindec said that confiscation of licenses can be done only upon proper issuance of the corresponding Temporary Operator’s Permit substituting the authority to drive in lieu of the confiscated driver’s license and giving the accosted driver 72hrs of “temporary authority” from time of apprehension.

“Outright confiscation of driver’s license is illegal without proper authority by LTO,” Caindec said.

Consequently, impounding of vehicles can only be done by LTO-deputized personnel upon the issuance of a Motor Vehicle Impounding Receipt.

“Otherwise, such act is illegal without proper authority and can be considered as carnapping. You can report carnapping cases to the PNP Highway Patrol Group and file a report to LTO so the vehicle can be put on alarm,” Caindec added.

Yesterday, the agency conducted a road safety advocacy forum with various stakeholders to raise awareness and promote road safety, especially among the  youth.

The forum was attended by representatives from the Cebu Road Heroes, PNP Highway Patrol Group, Mega Cebu, Sangguniang Kabataan in Cebu City and Cebu Riders’ Association.

Among the topics discussed were road safety awareness for the youth, knowing basic traffic signs and signals for road safety, simple motorcycle and motor vehicle riding safety, basic understanding of land transportation, laws, rules and regulations and getting started to drive and introduction to driver’s licensing system.

“Road safety starts with us. So kung duka gani mo ayaw na lang gyud mo og drive,” LTO-7 legal officer Vicente Gador Jr. told the listeners.

Darren Ray Diaz of United Motorcycle Club said that human error and lack of discipline are usually the major causes of vehicular accidents.

Meanwhile, LTO-7 recently opened new offices for the convenience of the transacting public. The most recent one was a licensing section office and vehicle registration office at the South Central Square Mall in Lawaan 3, Talisay City, Cebu. This was in partnership with Matvel Holdings Corporation.

At a press conference, Caindec said he expects the monthly transactions in the Talisay City extension office to increase from 10,000 to 15,000 with the separation of the licensing section and vehicle registration section offices.

Also, LTO-7 recently opened a new office in the town of Garcia-Hernandez in Bohol, which is now ready to serve clients at its location in West Canayaon.

The formal opening was graced by Caindec, Mayor Tita Baja-Gallentes and Mrs. Flordeliza Monceda, acting chief of LTO Garcia-Hernandez.

It serves as the newest LTO office in the third congressional district of Bohol after the LTO district office in Jagna was closed last year.

Also, Caindec said that their E-Patrol Bus has served 21 towns, including in Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol and served more than 6,000 clients since its soft-launch last February.

The services of E-Patrol Bus include issuance of student permits, emission testing, among others. — KBQ (FREEMAN)