Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Oct. 14, LTO-Davao regional director Atty. Ernesto Raphael Robillo said the apprehensions involved violations of the LTO's traffic code and other traffic-related laws.
Of the total apprehensions, the agency recorded 52,982 resulted in fines, while 982 cases were dropped after motorists provided explanations or justifications for their violations. The total fines collected reached P120,298,222.
Robillo clarified that the 72,133 total figure represents apprehensions received through traffic apprehension tickets (TOPs), while approximately 62,000 refers to apprehensions handled through settlement cases.
According to the official, the number of handled cases increased by 4.25 percent compared with the same period in 2025, when 59,580 cases were recorded. Around 10,000 apprehended motorists had yet to settle their cases.
Robillo said violations of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines, the law governing the registration, operations, weights, dimensions, and licensing, accounted for the largest number of apprehensions, with 48,581 cases. BuyMaps
"These included driving without a valid driver's license, using fake identification cards or driver's licenses, operating vehicles with only a student permit without proper authorization, and using unregistered vehicles on public roads," Robillo said.
LTO-Davao also recorded 11,951 violations of the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, which mandates that all motorcycle drivers and back riders wear standard protective helmets, and 9,223 violations of the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999.
Other laws enforced include the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, the Anti-Overloading Act of 2000, the Children's Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015, the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, and the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013.
LTO-Davao also apprehended motorists for installing unauthorized lights and accessories on motorcycles, including prohibited flashers that could distract other road users. Unregistered trucks, vans, sedans, and motorcycles operating on public roads were among those apprehended.
Robillo said the agency recommended the revocation of 14 driver's licenses from December 2025 to September 2026 for serious violations. Another 10 to 15 license holders have pending cases following recommendations for revocation.
"Some of the cases involved road crashes and road-rage incidents, including a viral incident in which two drivers chased each other near an overpass," Robillo said. "Both drivers were advised of license revocation, and their cases are still awaiting resolution at the central office."
The agency also reported 235 cases pending resolution during the covered period. The official reminded motorists to give way to pedestrians, particularly those crossing within designated pedestrian lanes.
LTO-Davao law enforcement service head Yuri Lim, meanwhile, also cited the non-confiscation of driver's licenses as a factor in its enforcement situation. He said the agency has increased its enforcement activities through regular operations, inspections, and follow-up investigations into traffic violations reported on social media.
According to the officials, when incidents gain public attention online, the agency can issue show-cause orders and trace registered vehicle owners when license plate details are visible.
Lim said the agency also evaluates areas where road crashes and traffic violations frequently occur to guide the deployment of enforcement.
Robillo said these measures, together with increased road visibility in areas where violations remain common, are intended to improve compliance with traffic laws and help prevent road crashes.
The LTO-Davao officials also assured that the agency continues to conduct operations against motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs.
Under the Oplan Harabas, a nationwide random drug testing operation for public utility vehicle drivers and conductors, LTO-Davao's enforcement personnel identified six drivers allegedly operating vehicles under the influence of drugs.
Lim said the agency is also preparing for Oplan Ligtas Biyahe for the Undas season in November. He added that enforcement teams will be deployed along national highways and city streets to help maintain order and ensure passenger safety.
Lim said these measures, together with increased road visibility in areas where violations remain common, are intended to improve compliance with traffic laws and help prevent road crashes.
In the photo from the left: LTO-Davao law enforcement service head Yuri Lim and LTO-Davao regional director Atty. Ernesto Raphael Robillo.