Two high-ranking officials of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Cagayan Region have been dismissed from their positions following a widely circulated video depicting them physically assaulting two individuals, including a minor.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate relief of Assistant Regional Director Manuel Baricaua and Chief Enforcer Charles Ursolum. Secretary Dizon emphasized that the dismissals underscore President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government officials to serve the Filipino people with integrity and respect.
“The President has repeatedly stated that those of us in government are not here to act like tyrants or abuse our fellow citizens,” Secretary Dizon said in a statement. “We are not here to hurt, abuse, or lord over anyone. The President said this several times.”
This action follows the recent removal of LTO Baguio Motor Vehicle Registration chief Edilberto Bongaoen, who was arrested last week for drunk driving.
Secretary Dizon has instructed LTO Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza to provide all necessary assistance in filing legal cases against Baricaua and Ursolum. He also issued a stern warning to all Department of Transportation (DOTr) and attached agency officials, stating that similar decisive action will be taken against anyone who fails to uphold President Marcos’s mandate.
“If there is any official in any agency under the DOTr who does not follow the President’s order, then they will have to face the consequences,” Secretary Dizon stressed.
