Traffic office sets up: Hotline vs illegal parking

CEBU, Philippines — Those who park their vehicles illegally beware: the Cebu City Transportation Office has established a hotline where the public can directly call or text to report illegally parked vehicles.

CCTO head Francisco Ouano said he was ordered by the mayor to set up the hotline considering that the latter has been getting text messages concerning the traffic situation of the city.

“Dako pud og natabang nato ang hotline kay one week na ta naggamit ani ug nakita nato nga mas ma-maximized nato ang atong personnel sa pag-respond sa mga text messages and calls,” he said.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said there’s also a Facebook page dubbed as “CITOM Sumbong Hotline” created to allow the public to post pictures directly. For its first day, the Facebook page garnered 1,100 likes.

The mayor said there should be a hotline to let the community report illegal parking, accidents, abusive taxi drivers, and trip cutting, among other offenses.

During the first week of using the hotline number 09177700980 and the Facebook page, Ouano said CCTO has received an average of 30 to 40 text messages or complaints every day.

“Mangayo lang pud mi og dispensa sa mga tawo nga dili namo diha-diha nga marespondehan kay among i-prioritize pud ang kinsa’y unang mangayo’g tabang. Pero as much as possible, respondehan gyud dayon namo,” he said.

Ouano also said the 120 clamps for light vehicles and trucks are not enough to deal with illegally parked vehicles. He said he will request the executive department to buy more clamps to intensify their operations against illegally-parked vehicles.

"Kun daghan atong mga clamps, mas maayo ug mas daghan atong marespondehan kay daghan gihapon badlongon," he added.

Ouano requested the public's cooperation by following the city's traffic code.

Meanwhile, in their own campaign against offenses, the Talisay City police have started distributing flyers containing safety tips to avoid petty and street crimes.

Talisay police chief Superintendent Jason Villamater joined other police officials in distributing the flyers in different parts of the city since Friday, targeting public schools and malls where most people converge.

He said the distribution also serves as an information drive, particularly for students who are common victims of robbery and snatching.

“We took initiative to distribute flyers with safety tips where it is a sort of awareness and crime prevention na rin,” he said.

One of the tips warns people not to flaunt their jewelry and cell phones in public. Another advises against walking in dark areas or using ATM machines at night.

Gesin Novarion, corporate security manager of Gaisano Tabunok, said the flyers are a great way to help their customers avoid becoming victims of petty crimes. He added that shoplifters, pickpockets, and swindlers are most active during the months leading to the yuletide season.

Maximo Briones, a Talisay City resident, said that the flyers are helpful since they also provide the city police contact number.

“Makatabang kaayo kay naay number. Makapanawag ta kung naay mga problema,” he said. (FREEMAN)