LTO Caraga Enforcers Arrested in Agusan Del Norte Highway Extortion Sting

Photo Courtesy of Land Transportation Office - Philippines

Nine enforcers from the Land Transportation Office in the Caraga Region (LTO-13) were arrested during a high-stakes joint entrapment operation along the national highway on Thursday morning, June 18, 2026, following mounting complaints of systemic roadside extortion.

The Sting Operation

The sting operation took place in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, a critical transit point for commercial transport. The arrest was executed through a coordinated multi-agency effort: Led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 13 Regional Intelligence Division; Conducted in collaboration with LTO Manila Central Office investigators; and Supported by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Buenavista Municipal Police Station

The Extortion Modus Operandi

According to local intelligence and LTO Central Office investigators, the enforcers allegedly ran a roadside shake-down scheme targeting truck drivers and transport operators entering Mindanao.

The suspects reportedly flagged down vehicles during routine highway inspections and manufactured minor, arbitrary traffic violations—locally referred to as "bikil". They then used these fabricated violations to pressure drivers into giving direct cash payoffs to avoid steep penalties, vehicle impoundment, or the confiscation of documents.

The transport sector has long complained about these practices. Local transport groups welcomed the operation, noting that these daily illegal tollings created severe financial burdens and delayed essential cargo deliveries across the region.

Legal Charges and Custody

Police Regional Office-13 (PRO-13) information chief Police Lt. Col. Jennifer Ometer confirmed that all nine suspects are currently held under tight security at the Buenavista Police Station.

State prosecutors and police investigators are compiling marked money evidence and documentation to file formal criminal charges. The suspects will face counts of Direct Bribery under the Revised Penal Code and violations of Republic Act 3019 (The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). Parallel administrative charges for grave misconduct are also being processed by the LTO Central Office, which carry penalties of immediate dismissal and forfeiture of benefits.

Broader Institutional Crackdown

This high-profile arrest comes amid an aggressive "internal cleansing" campaign initiated by the LTO Central Office to weed out corrupt field offices nationwide. Following the Butuan team's arrest, the LTO Chief issued a stern warning to all regional offices, reiterating that the agency will not tolerate field enforcers abusing their badges to victimize the driving public.

Investigation updates and the formal identities of the nine enforcers will be made public once the cases are officially docketed in court.