LTO Calls Out Driver for Passing Through Protected Pawikan Nesting Site in La Union
The Land Transportation Office has called out a driver for passing through a protected pawikan nesting site in La Union.
The agency has issued a show cause order to the registered owner and driver of a Suzuki Wagon after a video of the vehicle speeding through a protected coastal area in San Juan, La Union went viral online.
The incident happened on November 12 and immediately caught public attention, as the area is known to be a critical nesting site for pawikan or sea turtles, which are protected under environmental laws.
Based on the initial investigation, the driver was identified as Kyle Erald Marquez Hizon. Authorities said that the passengers of the vehicle were also taken into custody by the San Juan Police.
The operation was conducted in coordination with the Local Government of San Juan, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, and environmental volunteers from the Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions.
The area where the vehicle passed is considered an important and sensitive breeding ground for sea turtles. Many locals and environmental groups expressed concern, as disturbing the site could destroy turtle eggs or discourage the animals from nesting safely in the future.
The incident emphasized the need for visitors and travelers to respect protected coastal zones and follow environmental guidelines.
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao ordered the vehicle owner and the driver to personally appear at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on November 26, 2025 for a formal hearing.
They are also required to submit a sworn written explanation on why the driver should not face administrative charges for reckless driving and why his license should not be suspended or revoked for being unfit to operate a motor vehicle.
In another report, a LTO summons owner of Toyota Innova w/ motorcycle escort using siren & blinker
The Suzuki Wagon has already been placed under alarm status, and the driver has been instructed to surrender his license while the investigation continues.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
