MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the registered owners of 19 motorcycles impounded for illegal racing along the Mabalas-Balas–Galas–Maasim Bypass Road in San Rafael, Bulacan.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division issued separate show cause orders to the owners, requiring them to explain why they should not be held liable for multiple violations.

The operation, conducted by the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on August 17, resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals and the custody of 12 minors aged 7 to 16. The report said the participants engaged in illegal motorcycle exhibitions, some driving without licenses, not wearing helmets, and operating motorcycles without plate numbers.

“What drew our concern was learning that at least 12 minors, some as young as seven years old, were involved in the illegal racing activity,” Mendoza said.

“Bukod sa pagkarera sa isang public road kung saan may mga dumadaan na mga four-wheel vehicles, nalaman natin na may mga motorcycle exhibition pang ginagawa ang mga taong ito, kasama nung mga bata. Hindi natin palalampasin ito, lalo pa at isinagawa ng operasyon dahil may aksidenteng nangyari dun at may naaksidente pa silang bata nung tumatakas sila para makaiwas sa mga pulis,” he added.

According to the police report, one rider attempting to escape during the operation hit a minor.

The show cause orders, signed by LTO-IID chief Renante Melitante, direct the motorcycle owners to appear at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on August 27. They face possible charges for Duty to Have License, Reckless Driving, Failure to Wear Protective Helmet, Driving a Motor Vehicle without a License Plate, and Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle.

“Failure to appear and submit the written comment/explanation as required shall be construed by this Office as a waiver of your rights to be heard, and the case shall be decided based on the evidence at hand,” the order stated.