Despite LTO revocation: Deputized Talisay agents will not lose their jobs

CEBU, Philippines - No job order employees from the Flying Squad Task Force Patrol in Talisay City will be displaced after the Land Transportation Office had revoked the deputization of all deputized civilian agents.

In a joint administrative order (JAO) 2014-01, which increases all fines for traffic violations, the LTO revoked all deputization orders to pave the way for a uniform and orderly implementation of the order.

JAO 2014-01 or the Revised Schedule of Fines and Penalties for Violations of Laws, Rules and Regulations Governing Land Transportation was issued jointly by LTO, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Transportation and Communications last June 2.

The joint circular started taking effect on June 19.

There are about 580 deputized agents in Central Visayas, including the agents in Talisay City.

But city administrator John Yre de los Reyes said  the 21 flying squad will not be losing their jobs as they will be mobilized in assisting the police in order to make up for the deficiency of law enforcers in the city.

The city has only 78 policemen which is seen insufficient to secure the total population of more than 200,000 as of 2010 National Statistics Office census.

The minimum police to population ratio shall not be less than one policeman for every 1,000 persons.

De los Reyes said they already talked and agreed with city police director Superintendent Reycel Carmelo Dayon that the 21 job order workers assigned for the squad will be mobilized for the city police office.

However, they will undergo training at the city police.

Mayor Johnny De los Reyes earlier said that the squad helps regulate traffic by managing ambulant vendors along the road in some areas on peak hours when there's no CT-TODA.

The mayor insisted the flying squad reports illegal structures and helps implement regulation regarding the throwing of garbage.

"It will be a great help for the peace and order in the city," he said, adding that it is time for village watchmen and job order employee to level up and help maintain the peace and order in the city.

John Yre said he will also try to find out if they could be allowed to carry firearms. (FREEMAN)