Calaca: Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the removal of a Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) officer after he was seen in a video punching the driver of a van that was operating illegally.

According to Philippines News Agency, the incident occurred during an anti-colorum operation in Calaca, Batangas, where the SAICT team flagged down the van carrying 15 passengers. The driver attempted to flee and sideswiped the SAICT vehicle multiple times before being apprehended in San Nicolas.

The Land Transportation Office has impounded the van, and legal actions have been initiated against the driver. The van was discovered to have an expired registration and was operating as a public utility vehicle without the necessary franchise.

Secretary Lopez emphasized that while the van driver was at fault, the SAICT officer's use of force was unacceptable and would not be tolerated. "The van driver was wrong, but that is not enough reason for the SAICT officer to punch him," Lopez stated, highlighting the importance of non-violent law enforcement.

Lopez reiterated the DOTr's commitment to ongoing anti-colorum operations to ensure passenger safety and enforce transportation regulations.