Former Vice Mayor of Panglao, Bohol, Reacts to LTO’s Arrest of His Brother, a Farmer
LTO vs. Farmer – The farmer forcefully arrested by LTO officers in Bohol is a resort owner and brother of former Vice Mayor Brian Velasco.
A recent viral video has sparked outrage after officers from LTO-7 were seen forcefully arresting a farmer in Panglao, Bohol. The man in the video, identified as Bert Velasco, is the older brother of former Panglao Vice Mayor Brian Velasco. The video shows five uniformed officers surrounding Bert while he pleads, “Farmer ako!” in an attempt to explain why he was carrying a knife. Despite this, the officers aggressively restrained him, treating him as if he were a dangerous criminal.
Brian Velasco has publicly called for an investigation, questioning the actions of the LTO officers. He pointed out that the official version of the arrest does not match what witnesses saw. According to the LTO personnel, Bert provoked them first, but Velasco refuted this claim, saying his brother was simply sitting on his motorcycle when the officers approached him.
Bert, a farmer by profession, routinely carries a knife and a bolo as essential tools for his work. His brother explained that they own farmland, and it is common for farmers to have such tools with them. Velasco also admitted that his brother had been drinking before the incident but emphasized that this was not unusual for him. Bert reportedly struggles with personal problems and relies on alcohol to help him sleep, along with prescribed medication.
The video has triggered strong reactions online, with many criticizing the excessive force used by the LTO officers. Observers noted that Bert did not resist arrest violently—he even raised his hands in surrender—yet he was cursed at and physically restrained. Some argue that he was treated worse than a criminal.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7 has addressed the controversy surrounding the arrest.