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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider LTO probes call center agent for blocking responding firetruck

LTO probes call center agent for blocking responding firetruck

Published Jan 20, 2026 09:22 pm
THE viral motorist in Bacolod City (right).
THE viral motorist in Bacolod City (right).
BACOLOD CITY – The Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) is investigating a call center agent who recently went viral on social media for blocking the right-of-way of a responding firetruck in this highly-urbanized city.
A video circulating online showed a motorcycle continuing to travel despite the firetruck’s activated siren and warning lights, with the rider making no effort to yield, according to LTO-NIR.
Authorities said the incident may have delayed emergency response and endangered public safety.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod was responding to a fire incident in Barangay Alijis on Jan. 15 when the incident occurred.
“Every second counts during fire and medical emergencies. Delays can mean the difference between life and death and between minor damage and total loss of property,” Fire Insp. Jemarie Tapiru, deputy city fire marshal, said.
The BFP urged motorists to remain alert, avoid unnecessarily occupying fast lanes, and immediately give way to emergency vehicles to ensure faster response and safer operations.
The registered owner of the motorcycle was identified through verification using the LTO Information Technology System.
Initial findings revealed that the rider, though of legal age, does not possess a valid driver’s license, a factor that could further aggravate the case.
Possible violations include reckless driving, obstruction, driving without a license, and delinquent vehicle registration.
The registered owner may also be held liable if proven to have knowingly allowed an unlicensed driver to operate the motorcycle.
The motorcycle driver and the registered owner have been ordered to appear before the LTO-NIR office within five days from receipt of the order and submit a verified written explanation.
Failure to comply will be considered a waiver of their right to be heard, and the case will be resolved based on available evidence.
The LTO-NIR reiterated its commitment to road safety, emphasizing that failure to yield to emergency vehicles may constitute reckless driving under Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Section 29 of the law holds vehicle owners liable if they allow unauthorized, unlicensed, or incompetent individuals to drive their vehicles.

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