Fifteen traffic personnel recalled

CEBU, Philippines - The City Traffic Operations and Management is set to recall anytime this week some 15 traffic personnel due to reports and complaints of illegal operations in areas where they have been tasked to enforce traffic laws.

CITOM executive officer Arnel Tancinco said yesterday that these personnel will undergo rehabilitation and retraining but will not lose their jobs because they will still be receiving their salaries.

Tancinco said that they have also received reports of irregular activities being practiced by these enforcers but reports have not been validated yet so instead of dismissing them, just like what happened to the 31 enforcers recently terminated for alleged extortion, CITOM has decided to recall their service from the traffic division.

He added that these 15 personnel are included in the watchlist of 48 enforcers with complaints from motorists which also includes those 31 recently terminated.

Tancinco said that it has come to their attention that most of the enforcers involved have vices which could be a contributing factor so rehabilitation may be of help. It is not yet a guarantee, however, that after the rehabilitation and retraining, they will be assigned back to the traffic division.

Tancinco said that recalled enforcers may be transferred to the South Road Properties.

“We have an average of two traffic accidents a day at the SRP. They might be able to manage the traffic there. Anyway, off season man karon tungod sa bakasyon, so dili ra siguro makaapekto sa atong operation,” Tancinco said.

 SRP manager Nagiel Bañacia said he is willing to accept the recalled enforcers as grass mowers at the SRP.

“Ato silang palampason didto sa SRP with matching uniforms. Pero dili as traffic enforcers because we already have our own enforcers at the SRP.” — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)