By Gerome Dalipe
What began as a routine traffic apprehension escalated into a formal investigation after a rider used Facebook Live to hurl profanities and make veiled threats against a Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforcer in Western Visayas.
The incident stemmed from an April 4 traffic stop in Barangay Mansilingan, where the rider was apprehended by an LTO-6 officer for operating an unregistered motorcycle and driving without a valid license.
After settling the penalties, the rider reclaimed his motorcycle on June 10 at the LTO Bacolod City District Office.
Shortly after retrieving the vehicle, he returned outside the office and livestreamed a profanity-laced video, naming the traffic enforcer and issuing threatening remarks.
LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II condemned the act, calling it harassment of a public officer performing official duties.
“This swift response reaffirms our commitment to safeguard the dignity of our enforcers and uphold the rule of law,” Geduspan said.
In response, Geduspan directed Intelligence and Investigation Unit Head Shiela Mae Alulod to issue a show cause order to the rider.
Signed on June 11, the order requires the rider to submit a written explanation within five days or face administrative sanctions and possible legal action under laws protecting government personnel from threats and intimidation.
LTO-6 Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu also denounced the behavior, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect public officers from harassment.
He warned that such conduct could lead to serious penalties, including suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
The LTO, led by Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II and guided by Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, is intensifying efforts against aggressive or disrespectful behavior by motorists toward law enforcers.
