Radaza: No need to issue guns to traffic enforcers

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza does not see the need to issue firearm to traffic enforcers despite the shooting of the city's traffic chief over the weekend.

Radaza said department heads are not also required to have firearms.

"Wala ta ana sa mga department heads, apil na ana si (Frank) Brazil," she said.

This was also the stand of Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing.

Lawyer Elaine Bathan, Quisumbing's chief of staff, said while it is inevitable for traffic enforcers to encounter abusive motorist while in the performance of their duty, but they do not feel the urgency to have them issued firearms.

"I do not see the need to equip our traffic enforcers with firearms," Bathan said.

Brazil, Lapu-Lapu City traffic head, was shot by unidentified gunman outside his office in Lapu-Lapu City. The police are looking at his campaign against colorum vehicles as motive. Brazil is now in stable condition in a private hospital in Mandaue.

According to Bathan, they already informed the city's traffic enforcers to exercise extra caution in the performance of their duty. There are more than 200 traffic personnel in Mandaue City.

Bathan said the enforcers will be undergoing refresher course on competence and ethical practices.

Bathan said the retraining of traffic enforcers is to improve not only their skills in traffic management but also to develop their wellbeing and update them on the new traffic ordinance.

Last week, the Mandaue City Council approved on first reading a new ordinance that will penalize erring drivers in the city.

The new ordinance will complement Quisumbing's program to make the city a traffic discipline zone. (FREEMAN)