LTO, PNP up ops vs illegal vans; lady driver arrested

By Jessica Samidan

BAGUIO CITY – Police and Land Transportation here have beefed up operations against vehicles involved in illegally ferrying passengers. 

Last week, elements of city police and LTO Cordillera flagged a van allegedly involved in illegal provincial operations.

This, amidst calls by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong for border patrols to tighten watch against those sneaking warm bodies in and out of city.

The operation was led by Maj.Oliver B. Panabang of BCPO-TEU; and, LTO-CAR’s Donald Wingnga.

                The BCPO-TEU report bared around 8 p.m. Monday, one Irene Mariano Minor, 42, from Camiling, Tarlac was apprehended along Palispis-Aspiras Highway.

She was then driving a white Toyota Innova bearing plate number NCL 1369.

The car bore a Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) sign attached on its windshield, apparently making it appear it was servicing “authorized persons outside residence.”  

Minor was reportedly trying to transport passengers bound for Pangasinan.

             Minor is now facing charges for failing to show a valid driver’s license; and for want of certificate to operate as public convenience.

              Her vehicle was impounded at the LTO Office in Pacdal.

               Investigation showed Minor has a social media account offering "van-for-rent” services.

 A certain Clifford John Carambas reportedly aids Minor in looking for passengers under a separate Facebook account, offering trips in and out of Baguio City.

 Earlier, LTO-CAR Director Francis Almora bared, those maintaining illegal provincial travel operations for a fee face a fine of up to P200-thousand, pursuant to Joint Administrative Order 2014-001.