The Special Colorum Team (SCT) of Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 has been intensifying its anti-colorum efforts, in a bid to eliminate illegal transportation activities in the region.
Recently, the SCT conducted an operation in Sibalom, Antique. In Barangay Bonsod, the team apprehended two colorum vans. One driver was arrested, while the other has escaped. Both vehicles have been impounded. More details below!
Two Colorum Vans Impounded by LTO Region 6
Based on a Facebook post by by LTO Region 6 – Western Visayas, one of the apprehended vehicles was a Toyota Hi-Ace van, with plate number FAG 6067. Upon verification, the van was found to be a private vehicle engaged in illegal colorum operations.
One of the SCT members, who had been posing as a passenger, boarded the van from a makeshift terminal. Soon, it was flagged down by another team member, who asked for the driver’s license and OR/CR. It was then discovered that the van was operating illegally. The vehicle was impounded at the Sibalom Police Station, while the driver, Carlven Dolorica y Semillano, was arrested.
Meanwhile, the SCT flagged down another van, with plate number 133607, and found it to be a colorum vehicle. However, while the passengers were being cleared out — the driver, Jovic Gillera, escaped and took the vehicle’s key with him. At present, the van is in custody of the SCT.
Prior to the apprehension of the two vans, the SCT, together with the Regional Law Enforcement Section (RLES), had apprehended another van on 28th June 2024, this time in Oton, Iloilo.
The van had been providing transportation for hire from Mohon Terminal to Antique, and was flagged down after several days of observation. The driver, Joven P. Magno from Lauan, Antique, was arrested and subsequently detained at the Oton Police Station.
In accordance with Republic Act 11659, operating a colorum vehicle is a crime. If found guilty, perpetrators could face a fine of up to PHP 2 million, plus six (6) years and one (1) day of imprisonment.
LTO Region 6, through the leadership of OIC-Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II, remains committed to enforcing stringent actions against colorum operations. The office also urges the public to immediately report any suspicious transportation activities.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to LTO Region 6 and other agencies, the region is being cleared of illegal activities such as colorum operations. If you observe any suspicious transportation activities, please do not hesitate to report it to your local barangay or police station. You can also file a report online using the CitiSend mobile app.