LAND Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II has ordered the filing of criminal charges against a man who allegedly posed as an LTO enforcer and tried to extort money from motorists in Cubao, Quezon City.

Mendoza also urged all the victims of Jurdinito Rid Macula to cooperate with the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) investigators to strengthen the cases that would be filed against him.

Macula was apprehended at around 9:30 p.m by a motorist who smelled something fishy after the former refused to show his identification card and failed to prove that he is allowed to be on duty at night.

Macula reportedly claimed that he is an LTO enforcer assigned at the National Capital Region and flagged down the victim for allegedly using an unauthorized side mirror.

LTO-National Capital Region Regional Director Roque Verzosa III said the verification he made with the roster of all employees revealed that Macula is not in any way connected with the LTO.

“Tinitiyak ko na mananagot ang taong ito sa kanyang pagdungis sa pangalan ng LTO. All the possible charges will be filed against him.

Personal kong tututukan ang kasong ito dahil gusto kong maturuan ng leksyon ang taong ito,” Mendoza said after learning of the incident.

Mendoza also urged all motorists to immediately report any extortion attempt or any illegal activities being conducted using the name of the LTO, whether the perpetrator is an impostor or a legitimate employee of the agency.

Macula is now detained at the QCPD Station 7 in Cubao and facing criminal charges, including usurpation of authority.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jun I. Legaspi