MARAWI CITY (PIA)—The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) officially took over the management and operation of the Land Transportation district offices in Maguindanao and Marawi.

This was after a simultaneous turnover was held, February 22, in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte and Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.

MOTC Minister Lawyer Paisalin Tago said that the turnover was pursuant to the provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), stating that all offices and premises belonging to BARMM should be turned over to the Bangsamoro Government.

"We are thankful for the reception of our neighbor Region-12 employees. The collaboration and coordination between our agencies should continue to tackle the emerging issue like non-recognition of our issuance of licenses, among others," he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently issued a memorandum addressing the issue of the non-recognition of Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office-issued driver’s licenses outside BARMM.

Through the memorandum, Secretary of Transportation Jaime Bautista advised that all Land Transportation Offices outside BARMM and other concerned agencies must recognize BLTO-issued licenses as long as they follow the BLTO's guidelines for identification and verification.

However, this is just a temporary measure to avoid further confusion and inconvenience to motorists and LTO personnel while awaiting the pending decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on BLTO’s jurisdiction and authority. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)