LTO 7 Initiates Comprehensive Investigation into Minglanilla Vehicular Incident
The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has officially launched a full-scale investigation into a distressing incident that occurred in Minglanilla, where a vehicle plowed through a roadside crowd. The agency has taken immediate action by suspending the driver's license pending the determination of final penalties, underscoring its commitment to road safety and legal accountability.
Celebration Turns Dangerous in Barangay Cadulawan
The unfortunate event took place on January 31, 2026, in Barangay Cadulawan, Minglanilla. A group of relatives was joyfully dancing in the street when a multicab minivan unexpectedly drove into the crowd, turning a festive moment into a scene of chaos and danger. Videos capturing the incident rapidly went viral on social media platforms, igniting widespread public outrage and calls for justice.
Initial reports from authorities indicate that the driver, who is reportedly a public official, was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. This detail has further fueled concerns about accountability and the enforcement of traffic laws, especially involving individuals in positions of authority.
Strict Legal Action Emphasized by LTO 7 Leadership
LTO 7 OIC Director Francisco "Franz" Ranches Jr. has ordered a rigorous enforcement of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 in response to this incident. He made it unequivocally clear that the agency will not overlook or downplay the severity of the crash due to the driver's status or position.
"No one is above the law, regardless of position or status," Ranches stated firmly, emphasizing that public safety remains the paramount priority for the LTO. This stance reinforces the agency's dedication to upholding traffic regulations without bias or exception.
Next Steps and Penalties for the Driver
The LTO has already implemented several decisive actions against the driver involved in the Minglanilla incident:
- Preventive Suspension: The driver's license has been suspended for 90 days, effective immediately, to prevent any further risk while the investigation proceeds.
- Show-cause Order: The driver has been ordered to appear before LTO-7 on Monday, February 9, to provide a detailed written explanation of the events leading up to the crash.
- License Revocation Recommendation: The regional office is recommending that the driver's license be permanently canceled, a decision that will be finalized by the LTO Central Office after a thorough review of the case.
Protecting the Public with Zero-Tolerance Policies
This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the LTO's zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving and other traffic violations. By taking swift and decisive action, the agency aims to deter similar dangerous incidents in the future and ensure that individuals who endanger lives on the road are held fully accountable.
The proactive measures highlight the LTO's role in safeguarding public welfare and maintaining order on Philippine roads, particularly in regions like Central Visayas where such incidents can have far-reaching impacts on community safety and trust in law enforcement.
