LTO suspends officer's license over viral reckless driving

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the license of an LTO-Zamboanga peninsula officer after a viral video showed him driving recklessly.

The officer, who works in the human resources department, was ordered by LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II to surrender his driver's license to regional director Roderick Minong.

Mendoza emphasized that the LTO does not tolerate any personnel violating traffic regulations and stressed the importance of being a model for road safety.

Initial investigations revealed that the officer was driving a pick-up truck when it fell into a swamp after reportedly stepping on the gas pedal.

LTO intelligence and investigation division chief Renante Melitante said that investigators have yet to determine if the officer was drunk at the time of the incident.

The officer will face charges for reckless driving and improper operation of a motor vehicle, which can lead to license revocation.

A video conference hearing has been scheduled for the officer to explain his actions.