LTO-7 Elicits Criticism Online Over Rough Arrest of Farmer in Bohol
LTO-7 – A video of LTO enforcers aggressively arresting a farmer in Panglao, Bohol, has gone viral and elicited reactions online.
On Friday (February 28, 2025), the incident started when officers stopped a man sitting on his motorcycle, questioning him for carrying a knife.
The man, later identified as Bert Velasco, kept explaining that he’s a farmer and the knife was just a tool for his work. But despite this, the officers forced him off his bike, restrained him, and took him into custody.
Many people online were furious, calling out the officers for their harsh treatment. It turns out Bert is the brother of former Panglao Vice Mayor Brian Velasco.
Brian spoke up, saying that farmers like Bert always carry knives for work. He admitted that Bert had been drinking, but insisted he wasn’t being aggressive. Witnesses also said Bert was just sitting there when the officers suddenly confronted him.
After the video went viral, LTO-7 quickly apologized and admitted the incident was troubling. They’ve now suspended all law enforcement operations in Bohol and pulled out the officers involved while an investigation is ongoing.
“First and foremost, LTO 7 regrets the distressing nature of the incident and apologizes for any concern it may have caused to the public. The situation, in which a belligerent individual wielding a knife was restrained and subdued by LTO 7 Field Enforcement Officers, was an unfortunate turn of events. The safety of both the public and our personnel remains a top priority, and we are committed to maintaining law and order,” LTO-7 Regional Director Glen Galario said.
LTO-7 also assured the public that anyone who broke the rules will be held accountable.
Right now, Bert is still in police custody while both sides prepare legal action. Meanwhile, local officials, including the Bohol governor, have stepped in, calling for a fair and proper investigation.
In a previous post, a busway violator faces LTO show-cause order after dramatic escape attempt
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
