Nine alleged fixers landed in jail after they were arrested during a joint operation of the Land Transportation Office and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Novaliches, Quezon City.
They were identified as Alberth Santos, 31; Archie Sesbreño, 48; Vicente Pinon III, 42; Melvin Reoloso, 39; Markley Naloste, 44; Jeffrey Balsote, 39; Richard Bando, 41; Dexter Tequin, 26; and, Ovito Medallo, 57.
LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the arrest came after a “mystery applicant” reported to his office the presence of a number of fixers offering quick transactions at the LTO Novaliches District Office on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
The LTO earlier deployed “mystery applicants” across the country to spy on the activities in all district and extension offices of the agency.
Some of the arrested suspects allegedly boast of their connection inside the LTO which would accommodate even non-appearance application for driver’s license.
Mendoza said the operation is part of the action plan to improve the image of the LTO which was negatively affected by the continuous operations of fixers across the country.
“These people only destroys our image. They taint the integrity of the LTO,” said Mendoza, as he also cited the case of a man who was able to get more than P400,000 from a businessman planning to invest on land transportation.
“These operations will continue until such time that they will not be given the opportunity to continue their illegal activities,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza earlier disclosed his plan to coordinate with the PNP for the regular conduct of operations against fixers.