An NBI personnel faces a 90-day preventive suspension of his driver’s license following a confrontation with Land Transportation Office (LTO) law enforcers during a roadside enforcement operation in Lipa City, Batangas on August 12, 2026.
The incident began when LTO law enforcers flagged down a vehicle that was illegally parked along the national highway and obstructing traffic. The driver was instructed to move the vehicle to a designated parking area but allegedly refused and questioned the authority of the enforcers.
The driver reportedly identified himself using an identification badge from a national government agency.
While the LTO personnel were talking to the driver, his father arrived in a pickup truck and identified himself as an NBI personnel. He also questioned the authority of the LTO law enforcers who had stopped his son.
During the confrontation, the NBI personnel allegedly made statements about having a firearm and challenged the LTO law enforcers to a gunfight.
The LTO subsequently conducted an investigation into the incident and also found that the pickup truck was using unauthorized blinkers.
The agency issued a Show Cause Order to the registered owner and driver of the pickup truck, directing them to appear before the LTO Central Office’s Intelligence and Investigation Division to explain the alleged violations and submit the necessary documents.
Among the violations being investigated are the unauthorized or unlawful use of blinkers and improper person to operate a motor vehicle, which may result in the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license depending on the findings of the investigation and proceedings.
The LTO also ordered the surrender of the unauthorized blinkers and invited the law enforcers who were present during the incident to provide their statements.
As an immediate measure while the investigation is ongoing, the driver’s license was placed under a 90-day preventive suspension, while the pickup truck was placed under alarm status.
“Ang ating mga law enforcer ay nagsasagawa lamang ng kanilang tungkulin upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at kaligtasan sa kalsada. Hindi dapat ginagamit ang anumang posisyon o pagkakakilanlan upang kuwestiyunin o hadlangan ang lehitimong pagpapatupad ng batas,” LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said.
“Mananatiling patas, propesyonal, at naaayon sa batas ang ating mga operasyon. Ang sinumang mapatunayang lumabag ay pananagutin alinsunod sa itinakdang proseso, anuman ang kanyang posisyon o pagkakakilanlan,” he added.
The LTO said it will continue to intensify its enforcement and road-clearing operations to ensure smooth traffic flow, promote road safety, and enforce regulations fairly among all motorists.
