The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the preventive suspension of Land Transportation Office (LTO) employees involved in a controversial incident in Panglao, Bohol, which went viral online.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon issued the directive, stating that the suspension will remain in effect while a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, was captured in a viral video showing LTO personnel forcefully stopping a motorcyclist during a law enforcement operation. The rider, who claimed to be a farmer carrying a bolo for work, was made to dismount and was later detained at the Panglao Police Station.
LTO Region 7 has since expressed regret over the incident, stating that it was carried out in the interest of public safety and law enforcement.