LTO warns anew: Online fixers will be arrested

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transport Office (LTO) has renewed its warning against online fixers after it announced the arrest of several individuals who were offering services for non-appearance renewal of motor vehicle registration over social media.

In a statement issued Friday, LTO officer-in-charge Romeo Vera Cruz said the agency will “relentlessly operate against these spurious individuals in [its] effort to clean up the bureaucracy to protect [its] clients.”

He also advised LTO clients to “refrain from patronizing fixers for [their] own protection” since they may also be held equally accountable in accordance with the law.

The LTO on Wednesday joined forces with the Quezon City District – Anti-Cybercrime Team (QCD – ACT) to collar Jefferson Uy, 38, and Arnel Miranda, 55, who were found to be offering the said illegal services.

A member of the joint task force pretended to be a customer and sought Uy’s services via Facebook Messenger, LTO detailed.

It further narrated, “After sealing the transaction, Uy informed the agent that the motor vehicle is renewed and that the original receipt is ready for pick-up. This led to his apprehension.”

Uy then said it was Miranda who processed the transaction at the LTO Novaliches District Office in Quezon City. The latter was nabbed after operatives learned about his involvement in the incident.

Both suspects are currently under the custody of the QCD – ACT. They will undergo inquest proceedings before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for violations of the Revised Penal Code on Estafa or Swindling and the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

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