A total of 75 motorists were apprehended in just a span of three hours in the operation conducted by agents of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Metro Manila as part of intensified campaign against erring drivers.
Roque "Rox" Verzosa III, director of the LTO-National Capital Region-West, said the operation started at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, until midnight in various parts of Metro Manila.
"This kind of operation will be sustained to make our roads safe," said Verzosa, adding that a total of 218 personnel took part in the operationj--150 from LTO and 68 from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
LTO-NCR-West Operations chief Hanzley Lim said a total of 26 drivers were apprehended for violating Republic Act No. 4136, or the "Land Transportation and Traffic Code." Of those caught, three were in Potrero, Malabon City; five in Malaria, Caloocan City; and 10 in A.H. Lacson; one in 29th Street, Manila; four in San Marcelino, Manila; one in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City; and two in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City.
A total of 29 drivers were also apprehended for violating Republic Act 10054, or the "Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009." Of those caught, 18 were from Potrero, Malabon City; two from Malaria, Caloocan City; four from A. H. Lacson, Manila; three from San Marcelino, Manila; and two from Tunasan, Muntinlupa City.
On the other hand, a total of 20 drivers were apprehended for violating Republic Act No. 8750, otherwise known as the "Seat Belt Use Act of 1999." Of those caught, one was from Potrero, Malabon City; 10 were in Malaria, Caloocan City; two were in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City; and seven were in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City.
On anti-overloading, Verzosa said a total of 142 trucks were flagged and weighed, with 54 being overloaded while 88 passed the allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) limit for a 62.38 pass/fail ratio.
"We will have more of these types of operations, especially next year when the agency embarks on a vigorous campaign against violators. There would be dedicated programs and plans along this line, and we would deploy dedicated enforcement teams and other personnel. Road safety is our primary concern," Verzosa said.