by Eva Visperas
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region I and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Pangasinan Police Provincial Office have intensified their joint campaign against colorum vehicles following a high-level coordination meeting and courtesy visit on February 11, 2026, aimed at strengthening enforcement of traffic and vehicle laws across the province.
LTO Regional Director Glorioso Daniel Martinez paid an official visit to Pangasinan Provincial Director P/Col. Arbel Mercullo before the coordination meeting at Agtarap Hall, Gov. Antonio Sison Building, reinforcing inter-agency collaboration for stricter implementation of regulations. The initiative is in line with the directives of Department of Transportation Secretary Atty. Giovanni Lopez and LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao.
The meeting, spearheaded by Mercullo and attended by LTO Assistant Regional Director Engr. Eric Suriben and Pangasinan district office chiefs, focused on strengthening cooperation to curb illegal transport operations.
Also present were chiefs of LTO offices provincewide, members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Highway Patrol Group (HPG), the Pangasinan PPO command group, and provincial staff, demonstrating a unified front in promoting road discipline and lawful vehicle operations.
Officials aligned strategies that include intensified law enforcement, synchronized checkpoints, intelligence sharing, and the establishment of clear operational protocols to ensure consistent enforcement of transport and traffic laws.
A major agenda was the intensification of information campaigns against colorum vehicles operating as public transport without proper franchise or permits. Authorities warned that these vehicles often lack mandatory safety features, registration plates, and insurance, posing risks to passengers while undermining legitimate operators. Violators face heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, and the filing of appropriate criminal or civil cases
Both agencies likewise agreed to maximize digital platforms to educate motorists on traffic laws, responsible driving, and the consequences of violations, with the goal of fostering discipline and accountability among road users.
Mercullo emphasized the importance of inter-agency synergy in maintaining peace and order on the roads, while Martinez expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation of the Pangasinan PNP, noting that strict enforcement coupled with sustained public education is key to reducing road accidents and promoting responsible driving behavior.
Authorities underscored that sustained coordination is necessary to address the growing prevalence of unauthorized transport operations, which endanger public safety and violate existing regulations.
The initiative supports the Seven Priority Framework of the LTO chief, particularly on intensified law enforcement, road safety, and institutional collaboration, highlighting the government’s proactive approach to ensuring compliance with land transportation policies and protecting commuters.