Davao City: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and law enforcement units raided three auto surplus shops in Davao City for importing and rebuilding right-hand drive vehicles, as part of government efforts to promote road safety.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, stated that the raid was conducted with the support of local police and personnel from the Davao City government. The operation targeted JP Malik Trucks and Equipment Corp., Mahar Motor Surplus Corp., and Umar Japan OPC, and took place on May 21.

Mendoza emphasized, "This is part of our sustained operations since the raid we conducted in Quezon City last month against these kinds of illegal activities. We are conducting an investigation, and charges will be filed."

The initial investigation results revealed that the three shops lacked LTO accreditation as importers, rebuilders, and dealers of right-hand drive motor vehicles. However, intelligence reports indicated that employees of these auto shops were involved in the backyard rebuilding of right-hand vehicles.

During the raid, the LTO, with the assistance of the Philippine National Police territorial forces, the Highway Patrol Group, and Davao City Business Bureau inspectors, impounded 42 right-hand drive vehicles at the storage area of Umar Japan OPC, one right-hand drive vehicle from Mahar Motor Surplus Corp., and two right-hand drive trucks from JP Malik Trucks and Equipment Corp.

The three shops are facing charges related to the illegal importation of right-hand drive motor vehicles under Republic Act 8506, which prohibits the registration and use of right-hand drive vehicles in the country. Furthermore, LTO 11 (Davao Region) Director Ernesto Raphael Robillo has recommended the filing of administrative sanctions against the three auto shops to the city government.