The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the registered owners of 19 motorcycles involved in an illegal drag race held along a bypass road in San Rafael, Bulacan, on August 17, as reported by RH Val Gonzales.
According to the LTO, the motorcycles were placed under alarm and impounded after they were found to be used in illegal racing and dangerous motorcycle exhibitions. Police reports indicated that the riders were not wearing helmets, had no driver’s licenses, and were operating motorcycles without plate numbers.
Gonzales reported that the LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II expressed outrage after learning that 12 minors, some as young as seven years old, were among those involved.
The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) reported that a total of 12 individuals were arrested, with 12 minors aged seven to 16 also taken into custody during the operation.
One fleeing rider even hit a minor while attempting to escape from authorities.
Show Cause Orders were issued to all registered owners, requiring them to explain why they should not be held liable for various violations, including: duty to have a license, reckless driving, failure to wear a helmet, driving without a license plate, and allowing an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
They are required to appear at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on August 27.
Failure to appear or submit a written explanation will be considered a waiver of their right to be heard, and the case will proceed based on available evidence, the LTO warned.
