LTFRB clarifies LTO’s authority to apprehend unlicensed vans

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reaffirmed that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has the authority to apprehend "colorum" vans, or vehicles operating without franchises, amid growing concerns over public safety.

The clarification comes after a recent incident in which a young woman was allegedly robbed and assaulted by the driver of an unlicensed van from Dao, Tagbilaran terminal.

The victim was found in a grassy area in Barangay Totolan, Dauis, stripped of her belongings, but with no evidence of rape.

LTFRB has attributed the proliferation of "colorum" public utility vehicles to a moratorium it had imposed.

The regulator has faced criticism over the issue, with the public expressing alarm over the incident, which was first reported online.

The suspect remains at large, and authorities are still searching for clues to identify the driver of the unlicensed van.