16 drivers of colorum vehicles at SRP apprehended

CEBU, Philippines - At least 16 drivers were apprehended plying the South Road Properties using colorum vehicles, the City Traffic Operations Management said yesterday.

CITOM operations chief Jonathan Tumulak said the drivers were apprehended in the 15 days the traffic group conducted the operation from January 27 to 31 and from February 4 to 13.

These vehicles operate as public transportation without franchise and reportedly collect a P10 fare from the Senior Citizen’s Park to the area of the Kasadya sa SRP and even up to Talisay City.

Tumulak said a list of the apprehended colorum vehicles with their corresponding plate numbers has been forwarded to the Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for appropriate action.

“Na-impound gyod ang uban nga sakyanan kay nakadakop pod ta og walay driver’s license pero nakuha ra gihapon human nakabayad sa penalty, mas maayong ma-aksyonan sa LTO ug LTFRB para mahunong ang ilang operation kay delikado sa SRP gyod ni,” he said.

The Department of Transportation and Communications, LTO, and LTFRB have come up with Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, which penalizes the operation of colorum vehicles. Violators may be fined P50,000 and the subject vehicle may be impounded.

Tumulak said operations against these vehicles will continue until the practice is stopped.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella who heads the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council has requested LTO for help.

Mobile Patrol Group chief Senior Supt. Artemio Ricabo reportedly committed to help in solving the problem.

Last week, some drivers who were apprehended alleged they were given authority by a certain PO3 Gregorio Comaingking, a member of the Mobile Patrol Group.

But yesterday, Ricabo relayed Comaingking’s statement that he did not condone the act, saying that the latter advised his relative who were apprehended by CITOM enforcer to pay the penalty and stop driving the multicab that ferries passengers.

Meanwhile, Labella asked CITOM Executive Director Rafael Yap to remind traffic enforcers in the city to use the reflectorized vest while on duty for their safety.

Labella also urged traffic enforcers to project an image of professionalism and efficiency at all times, being on the frontline of government’s interaction with the public that they serve.

“Towards this end, may I suggest that they be urged at all times while on duty to be neat in appearance and in proper uniform,” he said. – (FREEMAN)