LTO orders retraining of enforcers after viral Bohol incident
Asec. Vigor Mendoza II FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has ordered the mandatory retraining of all its enforcers nationwide following a viral video showing LTO personnel in Panglao, Bohol manhandling a motorcycle rider.
Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, LTO chief, said the refresher courses aim to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The incident that happened in Bohol calls for a deeper and systematic approach to ensure that this will not happen again in the future. So we will be holding retraining for all LTO enforcers nationwide, and it’s mandatory,” Mendoza said in a statement on Sunday.
According to the LTO chief, the retraining will focus on human rights and proper procedures for enforcing traffic laws and road safety regulations.
Mendoza also directed the LTO-Law Enforcement Service to update enforcement protocols.
Article continues after this advertisementThe move comes after a video circulated online showing LTO enforcers apprehending a motorcycle rider carrying a knife.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: DOTr chief orders suspension of LTO personnel involved in viral Bohol video
One enforcer was seen pinning the man down on top of a motorcycle and threatening him with the knife.
When the rider was dragged to the ground, he repeatedly said, “Farmer ako, sir (I am a farmer, sir).”
In response, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate preventive suspension of all LTO personnel involved.
“This will remain in effect pending the completion of a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event,” the DOTr said in a statement.
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Mendoza had earlier suspended the deployment of LTO enforcers in Bohol pending the results of the investigation.
He also said the LTO would seek the Philippine National Police’s assistance in crafting enforcement guidelines and conducting retraining sessions.
