Safety gear for traffic cops sought

BAGUIO City Councilor Francisco Roberto Ortega VI wants traffic cops to have additional vests, gloves, raincoats and boots to better serve the public.

Ortega said it is important the public reciprocate their dedication by ensuring their safety and should be properly equipped to tackle their strenuous and risky job.

The law maker said it is a must that traffic enforcers be provided with reflectorized vests and gloves to prevent any untoward incident.

Ortega, who heads the committee on public protection and safety,

peace and order said in a report, the use of reflectorized vests makes our traffic aids discernable to motorists especially during evening hours where the visibility is reduced. Their hand signals can also be viewed and understood clearly by drivers if enforcers have reflectorized gloves.

Ortega also cited the situation during rainy days and stressed it is imperative enforcers must use proper rain gear for their protection from heavy downpours to be effective in performing their duties.

"The raingear will not only protect our traffic enforcers but also prevent road accidents," Ortega added.

Ortega’s report is also asking Baguio City Police Office city director Senior Superintendent Ramil Saculles to provide funding in acquiring the needed gear for the city enforcers, including police auxiliary personnel.

At present, the BCPO has around 46 traffic auxiliary force but would need around 80-90 personnel to man 25 critical and conflict areas with overlapping deployment schedules.

Previously, Saculles said most of the volume of traffic are experienced at the Pacdal area where most of the tourist frequent the Good Shepherd, Wright Park, Mansion House and Mines View area, aside from the top of Session Road and the entry point leading to the Baguio City Market.