"Oplan Hagibis" formed for motorcycles-for-hire

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday created "Oplan Hagibis" to address the problems that stemmed from the operation of several motorcycles-for-hire or habal-habal at the Salinas Drive.

Three barangay captains - Yody Sanchez of Busay, Jovito Taborada of Lahug and Ramil Ayuman of Apas – signed a commitment to help solve the problem.

Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Buenafe, Mabolo Police Station Chief Sarah Recla and CITOM personnel also affixed their signatures.

The Oplan Hagibis, headed by Rama, aims to organize the "habal-habal" drivers.

"This is a fact of life unya it’s tolerable sad. Kinahanglang i-regulate ni ang habal-habal para dunay order diha dapita," Mayor Rama said.

Also in yesterday's meeting, Rama ordered Buenafe to strengthen police visibility even if on Sundays. He also ordered CITOM to intensify the campaign against erring habal-habal drivers.

Buenafe told the mayor he already assigned two police officers at Salinas and Gorordo Avenue near JY Mall, but admitted that no policemen are watching over the area on Sunday when Rama conducted a surprised inspection.

Most habal-habal drivers disregard traffic signs and some were not wearing helmets.

Rama also ordered SPEED chief Noel Artis to clear the sidewalks along Veteran's Drive where habal-habal drivers park their units.

Also in the said meeting, Rama ordered Buenafe to study the possibility of putting up a terminal for habal-habal.

The members of the Oplan Hagibis will set another meeting with the leaders of habal-habal groups anytime this month. – (FREEMAN)