Cong. Edgar Chatto took immediate action, calling out the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after videos went viral of an incident involving the agency’s enforcement officers.
Chatto sent a copy of the viral video to LTO Chief Asec. Vigor Mendoza and Regional Director Glen Galario.
The first district solon sought an investigation into the exertion of force by LTO enforcers upon a motorist later on identified as Bert Velasco, brother of former Vice Mayor Brian Velasco.
“Please check if this is still within the agency’s standard operating procedures,” Chatto asked both Mendoza and Galario.
He also emphasized the need to observe courtesy and respect especially by law enforcers, seeking LTO’s immediate and appropriate action.
Mendoza, for his part, responded to Chatto’s concern, assuring the latter that LTO is already investigating the incident involving the law enforcers in Panglao.
He also confirmed that LTO enforcement operations in the province has been suspended pending a full investigation.
In an official statement issued by LTO Region 7, Galario expressed regret on the distressing nature of the incident and apologized for any concern it may have caused to the public.
LTO maintained that the safety of both the public and our personnel remains a top priority and reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order.
“LTO 7 takes any allegations of improper conduct seriously. As such, we are launching an immediate investigation into the actions of the LTO 7 Field Enforcement Officers involved in the incident. This investigation will be conducted in accordance with established procedures, and any officer found to have acted outside of protocol will be held accountable,” the statement read.