BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the immediate preventive suspension of all Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel involved in a controversial apprehension that has sparked outrage across Bohol province and on social media platforms worldwide.
The confrontation, which occurred in Barangay Tawala, Panglao, Bohol on Friday morning, February 28, 2025 has provoked serious questions about proper law enforcement protocols, use of excessive force, and the boundaries of LTO’s enforcement powers.
According to multiple witness accounts and video footage that has since gone viral, several LTO personnel dressed in blue uniforms, like those they wore when they met with Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado on February 4, 2025, were seen forcibly restraining a man on a motorcycle.
The video shows the officers aggressively handling the individual, who can be heard repeatedly identifying himself as a farmer while apparently being threatened with a knife that had been confiscated from him.
“They were manhandling him even after they had control of the situation,” said one witness who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation. “It was disturbing to watch how they continued to threaten him even though he wasn’t fighting back anymore.”
The man in the video has been identified as Bert Velasco, brother of former Panglao Vice Mayor Brian Velasco, who took to social media to express his outrage over the treatment of his brother.
“What they did to my brother was completely unacceptable,” Brian Velasco said in a lengthy social media post.
“LTO claimed that my brother was the one who called them over, but that’s impossible because witnesses confirm he was simply sitting on his motorcycle when they approached him,” the ex vice mayor said.
The former vice mayor further explained that his brother routinely carries knives as tools for his farming work, suggesting that the possession of such implements was related to his occupation rather than any malicious intent.
“My brother owns a field in our hometown. Carrying a knife or dagger is normal for him because he’s a farmer,” Velasco pointed out.
He acknowledged that his brother had consumed alcohol prior to the incident but insisted that “he would not have caused any disturbance in public.”
LTO Region 7 office, which has jurisdiction over Bohol, initially characterized the incident quite differently in their first press statement issued on February 28, 2025.
Regional Director Glen Galario described the situation as involving “a belligerent individual wielding a knife” who “was restrained and subdued by LTO 7 Field Enforcement Officers.”
The statement portrayed the officers’ actions as necessary measures taken to maintain public safety.
“The safety of both the public and our personnel remains a top priority, and we are committed to maintaining law and order,” Galario said in the official press release.
However, this version of events has been vehemently disputed by witnesses, the Velasco family, and many Bohol residents who have seen the video footage.
The discrepancy between the official account and video evidence has further inflamed public sentiment against the transportation agency.
As public outrage mounted throughout Friday and early Saturday, provincial and national authorities moved swiftly to address the situation.
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado did not mince words when characterizing the incident as a clear “abuse of authority” by the LTO personnel.
In statements made to local media, the governor said that if there was indeed a concern about an individual carrying a knife, “they should have called the police” rather than taking matters into their own hands in such a manner.
“This is not part of their job,” Aumentado clarified, expressing the frustration shared by many Bohol residents regarding what they see as overreach by LTO enforcers.
The governor personally contacted Regional Director Galario to demand the immediate withdrawal of the LTO task force from Bohol and the launch of a thorough investigation into the incident.
Aumentado has also called on the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) to conduct its own independent inquiry into the matter.
By Saturday morning, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon had intervened directly, issuing an order for the preventive suspension of all LTO personnel involved in the incident.
“This will remain in effect pending the completion of a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event,” Dizon affirmed in the DOTr statement released on March 1.
Facing mounting criticism, LTO Region 7 issued a follow-up statement on Saturday acknowledging the severity of the situation and announcing immediate corrective measures.
“First and foremost, LTO 7 regrets the distressing nature of the incident and apologizes for any concern it may have caused to the public,” the statement read. “The situation… was an unfortunate turn of events.”
As an immediate response, the agency announced the suspension of all law enforcement operations in Bohol Province and the withdrawal of field enforcement officers pending a full investigation.
“LTO 7 takes any allegations of improper conduct seriously,” the statement continued. “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 incident has potential legal ramifications for both parties involved.
According to the LTO statement, Bert Velasco “is allegedly in police custody, and appropriate charges are being prepared against him.” The nature of these charges has not been specified.
Meanwhile, the Velasco family has indicated their intention to pursue legal action against the LTO personnel involved.
Legal experts suggest that the officers could potentially face charges related to abuse of authority, excessive use of force, or even physical injuries depending on the medical assessment of Bert Velasco, who reportedly required hospitalization following the confrontation.
Katherine Tubayan-Castro commented on the case on social media, outlined several potential violations by the LTO personnel, including:
“Grave Threats under Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code, Unlawful Arrest under Article 269, Violation of RA 7438 concerning the rights of persons arrested or detained, possible violations of the Anti-Torture Act (RA 9745), and Abuse of Authority under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019),” she enumerated.
The incident has sparked outrage across Bohol, with many residents taking to social media to express their indignation.
A common sentiment is that the LTO personnel overstepped their authority and employed unnecessarily aggressive tactics against a Boholano resident.
“This isn’t the first time LTO Region 7 operatives have acted this way in Bohol,” commented Roque Vaño, a concerned citizen. “Their presence on our roads has created animosity between Boholanos and the LTO. This episode has added insult to injury.”
Many Boholanos are calling not only for the withdrawal of the current LTO task force but also for the filing of formal charges against the officers involved.
The video footage showing officers allegedly threatening to harm Velasco has particularly incensed the public.
The incident occurs at a time when public trust in government institutions is already fragile, with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Bohol Chapter issuing a statement that indirectly addresses the conflict.
“While we respect the mandate of our government agencies and personnel to perform their duties and functions, such should be within the limits and bounds of the law and should only use reasonable force necessary,” the IBP statement read.
The legal organization reminded government personnel and law enforcement authorities “to always adhere to the Rule of Law and always respect human rights in lawfully performing their duties and functions.”
The IBP concluded with a powerful reminder: “After all, we are a government and society of laws, not of men.”
“LTO needs a lot of introspection on how they do their job,” noted a netizen in a social media comment. “Optics and narratives like these do not help their cause. On the contrary, it will push them further away from the very people they want to serve.”
Secretary Dizon has promised that the Department will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, the LTO has pledged transparency and accountability throughout the process.
“We sincerely apologize to the public for the distress caused by this incident,” the LTO Region 7 statement concluded. “We understand the gravity of the situation, and we assure you that due process will be followed through a thorough and impartial investigation. Rest assured, LTO 7 is committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining public trust in our operations.”