By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and law enforcement units raided three auto surplus shops in Davao City for importing and rebuilding right-hand drive vehicles, as part of government efforts to promote road safety.
In a statement on Wednesday, LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, said the raid, backed by local police and personnel of the Davao City government, was conducted against JP Malik Trucks and Equipment Corp., Mahar Motor Surplus Corp., and Umar Japan OPC, and took place on May 21.
“This is part of our sustained operations since the raid we conducted in Quezon City last month against these kinds of illegal activities. We are conducting an investigation, and charges will be filed,” Mendoza said.
The initial results of the investigation showed that the three shops have no LTO accreditation as importers, rebuilders, and dealers of right-hand drive motor vehicles.
However, intelligence reports showed that employees of the three auto shops were conducting backyard rebuilding of right-hand vehicles.
During the raid, the LTO, backed by Philippine National Police territorial forces, Highway Patrol Group and Davao City Business Bureau inspectors, impounded 42 right-hand drive vehicles at the storage area of Umar Japan OPC, one right-hand drive vehicle from Mahar Motor Surplus Corp., and two right-hand drive trucks from JP Malik Trucks and Equipment Corp.
He said the three shops are facing violations related to the illegal importation of right-hand drive motor vehicles under Republic Act 8506, which prohibits the registration and use of right-hand drive vehicles in the country.
LTO 11 (Davao Region) Director Ernesto Raphael Robillo has recommended to the city government the filing of administrative sanctions against the three auto shops. (PNA)
