LTO Region 2 enforcers busted for extortion, drugs, and firearms

What began as an entrapment operation targeting alleged corruption has revealed a far more serious criminal operation. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested five traffic enforcers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region II, in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, on the evening of September 2, 2025, after authorities received complaints of widespread extortion activities targeting local drivers.

Allegedly, the LTO enforcers offered to settle a PHP 200,000 fine (colorum) for a straight cash payment of just PHP 25,000. The LTO personnel also allegedly offered an alternative to the PHP 200,000 fine, by collecting what drivers described as butaw – meaning “monthly protection fee” of PHP 1,000/ unit. At the same time, green plate vans will give PHP 2,000/ unit.

This arrangement, passenger vans without valid franchises from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) would be allowed to operate with some level of immunity from traffic laws, as long as butaw payments were made to the corrupt LTO personnel.

The sting operation took an even darker turn when police made an inventory of the suspects’ belongings. In addition to the marked money used in the sting operation, authorities also recovered a packet of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, and PHP 67,800 in cash. The PNP also seized three illegal firearms, which include two .45 caliber pistols and a 9mm, along with ammunition.

The enforcers are now facing legal and administrative charges, including violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and the Comprehensive Firearms Law.

The LTO has yet to issue an official statement as of this writing.