I-ACT GETS SUPPORT
SOLDIERS’ PRESENCE ON ROADS ‘TO DETER’ TRAFFIC VIOLATION
Members of the InterAgency Council for Traffic impound 4 tricycles, 5 motorcycles in Talisay, Minglanilla Talisay traffic official admits he was caught off-guard by the operation as the group did not coordinate with them
While they welcome the military’s help in addressing the traffic problem, local government units (LGUs) in Metro Cebu said the former should also coordinate with them.
The City of Talisay Traffic Operation Development Authority (Cttoda) said they were surprised when members of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) apprehended drivers and impounded tricycles on Thursday morning, Nov. 29.
But Rogelio Villaver, Cttoda chief, clarified that they want the group’s help in going after colorum (unregistered) vehicles, especially those that operate at the South Road Properties.
He said three tricycle drivers went to his office after their units were impounded by the I-ACT at checkpoint in Barangays 1 and Linao.
Violations
They wanted to get a letter of consideration from Mayor Eduardo Gullas so they could collect their units from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7, he said.
Villaver said he was caught offguard by the I-ACT’s operations in the city since I-ACT agencies didn’t coordinate with his office.
In Minglanilla, the I-ACT impounded one tricycle and five motorcycles owned by habal-habal drivers, but later turned these over to the Municipal Government.
Francis Sanguenza, Minglanilla Traffic Command (Mitcom) operations head, said they told the owners to secure a letter of consideration from Mayor Elanito Peña for the release of their vehicles.
Sanguenza said he supports the I-ACT’s use of soldiers in their traffic operations. “Nindot gyud nga naay sundalo nga present sa operations just for security precaution. Naa bayay ubang violators nga musukol og enforcers, especially if dako ang multa (They’re there as a security precaution. Some motorists resist arrest, especially if the violation carries a heavy fine),” he said.
The tricycles were impounded for violating a memo from the Department of Interior and Local Government that bans pedicabs and tricycles on national highways, while the motorcycles were impounded because their drivers could not produce a driver’s license and registration papers.
The Cebu City Government will also cooperate with the I-ACT even though no one from City Hall attended the group’s launching on Wednesday, Nov. 28.
“(We will cooperate) because we are the same government office implementing the laws of the land. This is also to show support for the National Government in terms of law enforcement,” Councilor Dave Tumulak, head of the committee on public order and safety, said on Thursday, Nov. 29.
Safeguard
Three years ago, Tumulak filed a resolution, requesting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deploy personnel in major thoroughfares to help manage traffic flow and prevent crime.
It is for this reason, he said, that he supports the creation of the council as it involves active military participation.
Through the I-ACT, he said, soldiers can actively participate in clearing roads of traffic obstructions and going after colurum vehicles, and assist in apprehending traffic violators.
“It’s better to have a long military presence. The public should not be afraid because they are there to protect us. This is not part of militarization, but for our own security. Much better that there are more law enforcement agencies that will man our city,” he said.
To make sure the IACT members, particularly the soldiers, do not commit abuses, Tumulak urged the public to take photos or videos of their interactions with the soldiers.
The councilor believes the military’s involvement in traffic management will help instill road discipline.
City Transportation Office operations chief Francisco Ouano shared his sentiment, saying military visibility is a big help since the City only has 400 traffic enforcers to manage traffic.
Main role
The military deployment will be of big help, especially with the holidays approaching since there will be a lot of activities. We need to help each other discipline motorists to improve the traffic situation, Ouano said.
Ouano said traffic in the city is heavy, especially during peak hours.
Identified areas of concern are P. del Rosario St., MJ Cuenco Ave. corner Carreta Public Cemetery, Barangay Hipodromo and the stretch from the Provincial Capitol to Escario St.
Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) Chief Glenn Antigua also has no problem with the military presence on the streets, saying this will help minimize traffic violations.
He said the military’s main role is to secure enforcers and the police, but they can also help go after violators who escape arrest.
He said 10 of their traffic enforcers were assigned as riders during the I-ACT’s operations, and they can issue temporary operator’s permit to violators. /