THE Land Transportation Office in the Cordillera Administrative Region (LTO–CAR) said it does not condone any wrongdoings following the arrest of one of its employees in a drug bust recently.
Francis Rey Almora, LTO–CAR regional director, gave the assurance following unsubstantiated postings on social media of officials and personnel allegedly involved in illegal activities.
“His apprehension is not related to his work as job-order driver of the LTO. He is assigned to drive the patrol vehicle of an enforcement team that is why he is in uniform because it is required when they are deployed,” Almora explained.
On September 11, Ginno Manolo Castillo Banta, 29, considered as a high-value target (HVT), was arrested by joint operatives of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-CAR in a buy-bust operation in Suello Village, Sto. Tomas Proper, Baguio City.
“We are aware of his previous case but he is on probation. The probation order by the court as well as his probation officer recommended he be employed as part of his community-based rehabilitation program and to meet his responsibilities to his family,” Almora explained.
As part of his probation, Banta is required to submit a regular drug test results.
“He (Banta) is also required to submit the results of his drug test. The latest he submitted was dated September 5, 2020, which is negative. Even prior to this incident, the LTO is proactive in ensuring a drug-free workplace by conducting random drug tests,” Almora stated.
The LTO, prior to the incident, initiated measures to ensure personnel is not involved in illegal drug activities.
Almora also challenged those with negative reactions on social media against LTO officials and employees to prove allegations or face sanctions.
“As to those who had been posting unsubstantiated allegations to the officials and personnel of the office, we are issuing summons for them to prove their allegations otherwise we can revoke their driver’s license or file cyber libel against them,” Almora added.