2 blue guards for each public market

CEBU, Philippines - Following reports of theft and other unscrupulous activities inside its public markets, the Cebu City Government has decided to post blue guards in these areas.

“This is to strengthen the peace and order and security of the lives and properties inside our markets,” said Raquel Bohol Arce in an interview.

Arce said they are set to start this month, starting with Taboan, Pardo, Mango Trade Center and Pasil, being among the biggest public markets in Cebu City.

Arce said they came out with the idea after they learned that the guards, who were ordinary government workers, were not equipped to guard the markets 24 hours. 

She said they would not just be picking ordinary guards, but those who are “well trained” and “well equipped” to serve anytime of the day.

Arce admitted some of these markets have been victims of pilferage, one of the problems that their vendors are facing.

Arce cited the Taboan Public Market, which has become a hive of these criminals including drug peddlers, prompting the city to construct a perimeter fence around the entire property.

“Vendors have been complaining, kay bisa’g nasira na ang ilang mga stalls pero kay lagi naa naman istar sa merkado ang mga badlungon, kanunay lang intawon silang mawad-an,” Arce shared. (Vendors have been complaining of loosing their things because even if they already closed their stalls, a lot of people can still go in the premises.)

Once the said market is fenced, two guards in three shifting schedules will be posted in the two entrance and exit areas, she said.

“This way, ma-monitor na nato ang lugar. Ug sirado, sirado gyud. Naa nay fixed nga market hours (4 a.m. to 8 p.m.),” she said.

This is also true to the rest of the city’s 11 markets. — (FREEMAN)