• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Land Transportation Office in the Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) has identified the motorcycle driver and registered owner involved in a video showing a motorcycle deliberately blocking a responding firetruck in Bacolod City.
The incident occurred as the Bureau of Fire Protection was responding to a fire incident in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City.
Through the LTO Information Technology System, authorities identified the motorcycle with plate number 857 FDF, which was seen continuing to travel without yielding despite the firetruck’s activated sirens and warning lights.
Initial findings from the LTO revealed that the driver is a call center agent of legal age who does not possess a valid driver’s license.
The lack of a license is expected to aggravate the case, which already includes possible violations such as reckless driving, obstruction, and delinquent vehicle registration.
The LTO-NIR said that failure to yield to emergency vehicles may constitute reckless driving under Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136, while Section 29 of the same law holds vehicle owners liable for allowing unauthorized or unlicensed individuals to drive their vehicles.
Both the registered owner and the identified driver have been ordered to appear before the LTO-NIR Regional Office in Bacolod City within five days from receipt of the order to submit a verified written explanation.
The LTO warned that non-compliance will be considered a waiver of their right to be heard, and the case will be decided based on the available evidence.
The registered owner may face liabilities if it is proven that they knowingly allowed an unlicensed driver to operate the motorcycle.*
