Mystery riders will be deployed for the first time in Central Visayas as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 launched “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2026” on March 25 to ensure safer travel during the Holy Week exodus.
The launch included a ceremonial Wall of Commitment signing attended by government agencies, law enforcement units, and local government representatives, pledging to promote road safety, enforce traffic laws, and protect motorists and commuters throughout the Semana Santa period.
LTO 7 Regional Director Atty. Wendel Dinglasan said enforcers will be deployed starting March 26, covering both the South and North routes in Cebu in preparation for the expected surge of travelers.
Enforcement will focus on monitoring driver fatigue, inspecting vehicle roadworthiness, and ensuring compliance with passenger capacity limits for public utility vehicles.
In a first for Cebu, LTO 7 will deploy mystery riders who will board public utility vehicles incognito and report incidents of overloading and other violations in real time.
The move aims to address cases where vehicles comply with seating limits at terminals but exceed capacity while picking up passengers along the route.
The campaign also highlighted inter-agency coordination for Holy Week travel.
Police Regional Office 7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan committed 10,000 police personnel, 400 patrol vehicles, and more than 600 motorcycles to support operations.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 7 Regional Director Bobet Matuan also reaffirmed his office’s commitment to safe and secure public transportation in Central Visayas.
Local government units and officials who signed the Wall of Commitment included Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival; Mandaue City, represented by Atty. Riczen Gingoyon on behalf of Mayor Jonkie Ouano; Lapu-Lapu City, represented by Joseph Pangatungan on behalf of Mayor Cindi Chan; Talisay City, represented by Joy Tumulak on behalf of Mayor Samsam Gullas; the Province of Cebu, represented by Elizer Sabinay Jr. on behalf of Governor Pamela Baricuatro; and Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Police Colonel Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr.
“Today marks a meaningful and symbolic moment in our shared mission to make our roads safer for every citizen. Road crashes are not just statistics — they are stories of lives lost, families broken, and futures cut short,” he said.
“These tragedies remind us that road safety is not optional; it is a necessity. And it demands collective action. Together, let us build a future where every journey ends safely, and every life is valued and protected,” Dinglasan added.
He also reminded motorists to observe traffic laws and prioritize safety during Holy Week, saying, “Mag-ingat sa kalsada para sa ating pamilya.”
Authorities encouraged the public to cooperate with enforcers and report violations, as the Wall of Commitment signed during the launch will serve as a symbol of accountability among participating agencies throughout the holiday travel period.
Photo by Kaiser Jan Fuentes
