On October 5, 2024, the Ministry hosted a pivotal Regional Forum focused on enhancing law enforcement operations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) held at the Seda Central Bloc in Cebu City. This forum brought together key stakeholders from the Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office (BLTO) and the Bangsamoro Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (BLTFRB) to address critical issues affecting the transportation system. With a shared commitment to ensuring safe and reliable public transport, the agencies discussed strategies for improving collaboration in the face of evolving challenges in the region.
The BLTO and BLTFRB play complementary roles in maintaining the integrity of BARMM’s transportation system. The BLTO ensures road safety, vehicle standards, and driver qualifications, while the BLTFRB regulates public transport services, including routes and fare structures. The forum emphasized the importance of consistent and enhanced collaboration between these two agencies to serve the transportation needs of the Bangsamoro people.
Meanwhile, a significant topic of discussion was the persistent issue of “pukol-pukol” vehicles—unregistered or illegally operated transport units that compromise safety and efficiency. Stakeholders explored strategies for identifying and profiling these vehicles, advocating for comprehensive guidelines and regulations to combat their proliferation. Addressing this issue head-on is essential for bolstering road safety and improving the reliability of public transport services across the region.
Moreover, the forum also tackled the pressing need for effective anti-colorum operations. With the increasing presence of colorum vehicles in the BARMM region, participants sought to identify actionable strategies for eradicating this problem by introducing methods for better monitoring and enforcement, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and awareness campaigns to support these efforts by equipping law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools and knowledge, the forum aimed to create a more robust framework for tackling this critical issue.
Ultimately, the collaborative efforts discussed during the forum are expected to lead to a safer and more efficient transportation system for the BARMM. By fostering a spirit of cooperation between the BLTO and BLTFRB, the forum aimed to ensure that both agencies can effectively address the myriad challenges facing the transportation sector. The outcomes of this forum hold promise for the future of public transport in the region, aiming to create a system responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro people.