AMID the controversy surrounding the unauthorized issuance of temporary operating permits from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) by Peace and Order Safety Officers in Dagupan City, the LTOs district agency here issued further clarifications.

Eric Suriben, LTO District Office Chief, said only those directly deputized by LTO allowed to arrest or apprehend traffic violators. “Those deputized cannot delegate the authority to others,” he said.

Earlier, LTO regional office reacted to complaints that there are abusive Public Order and Safety Officers (POSO) personnel apprehending drivers without being deputized by LTO.

Suriben pointed out that only permanent government employees can qualify and they have to undergo a seminar before they can be deputized to enforce the Land Transportation Code of the Philippines.

He added it is the sole prerogative of LTO who to deputize.

He cited the request of PNP Provincial Director, P/Sr. Superintendent Ronald Lee for LTO to deputize PNP personnel particularly in Manaoag and Dagupan to ease traffic congestion which remains on hold.

He said only few police personnel in Binalonan were deputized by LTO for Task Force Maharlika that oversees traffic management along Manila North Road in Eastern part of the province.

Suriben also pointed out that the town police can enforce ordinances of towns and cities without need to be deputized by LTO.

“There are ordinances that direct the apprehension of violators of the ordinances that the police should enforce, and arrests made can be relayed to LTO for further imposition of fines,” he explained. (Nora Dominguez)

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