It seems that the LTFRB is getting really serious about their drive to discipline our public utility vehicles. After getting their marching orders from President Rodrigo Duterte, PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has ordered the police Highway Patrol Group to run after illegal public utility vehicles in coordination with the LTFRB.

This means the HPG will now be leading the drive against, not only colorum PUV’s, but also those that fail safety tests for their vehicles. The order came in the heels of the fatal Dimples Star bus line accident that killed 19 persons in Mindoro.

Last Sunday, the HPG began their operation, apprehending and impounding scores of colorum buses that ply the streets of Metro Manila. Dela Rosa said he has ordered the HPG to become the law enforcement arm of the LTFRB, which does not have their own law enforcement unit being a regulatory body only.

HPG and MMDA Personnel are now working hand in hand to address traffic in Metro Manila. (photo courtesy of PNP-PIO)

“Andito kami. We are providing them with a law enforcement arm pagdating sa enforcement na yan ng colorum. We have regional HPG  to help them,” Dela Rosa said.

Colorum buses have been the biggest headache of the LTFRB with almost half those plying Metro Manila being unregistered or have no franchise from them. Jeepneys and taxicabs are also another issue for LTFRB when it comes to colorum operations.