Mandaue steps up effort vs drivers, dispatchers

CEBU, Philippines - A total of 485 Public Utility Jeepney drivers were apprehended while 25 dispatchers were arrested in a massive crackdown against traffic violators in Mandaue City conducted by the members of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) and the police.

TEAM started the massive crackdown against traffic violators in January 13 following complaints from the public that abusive drivers who are already using the roads as temporary terminals are causing traffic congestion in the city’s thoroughfares.

TEAM director Erwin Ermac said they have apprehended 385 drivers for obstruction to traffic, 53 for illegal terminal, 38 for disregarding traffic signs and nine for not following their route since January.

The Mandaue City Police Office on the other hand has arrested 25 dispatchers during a two-day operation which started Wednesday. The police conducted operations against the dispatchers because TEAM personnel are hesitant to do it.

Ermac admitted that his personnel are apprehensive to fully implement the anti-dispatching ordinance of the city for security reason. According to Ermac, some dispatchers are armed and difficult to arrest because they would normally mingle with the passengers when police operations are conducted against them.

Ermac added that they also did not have police personnel in the TEAM to help them out in the campaign because they were already recalled by the MCPO headquarters.

The city ordinance on anti dispatching has a fine of P2,500 and 15 days imprisonment.

 MCPO deputy director Supt. Renato Dugan vowed to sustain their campaign against dispatchers. He said they have already received several complaints from the public against the dispatchers.

Dugan said that even the watch-your-car boys who ask money from customers of commercial establishments in the city will not be spared in the campaign. - THE FREEMAN