Mandaue, Lapu officers apprehend 500 jeepneys, arrest 30 dispatchers

Friday, February 3, 2012

SOME 30 dispatchers were apprehended by policemen in the Cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu for violating anti-dispatching ordinances.

Traffic officers in Mandaue City also apprehended close to 400 public utility vehicles for allegedly stopping for passengers in illegal “terminals” manned by dispatchers.

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Officials of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) presented to reporters yesterday 25 dispatchers who were caught in different areas in Mandaue City for allegedly violating the city’s anti-dispatching ordinance.

Supt. Renato Dugan, MCPO deputy director for administration, told reporters in a press conference yesterday that they arrested the 25 men in areas where dispatchers operate, particularly those fronting big establishments that draw many commuters, such as malls.

In Lapu-Lapu City, at least five dispatchers were also arrested for obstructing traffic in major shopping malls in the city.

Campaign

Dugan said the arrest of the 25 dispatchers was part of the Mandaue City’s campaign to rid the streets of dispatchers, based on an ordinance.

Edwin Ermac, Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) chief, said his men focus on apprehending public utility jeepneys (PUJs) that stop for commuters in areas where dispatchers gather.

Police, on the other hand, deal with dispatchers, who reportedly carry weapons, said Ermac, a retired police major.

Ermac said by apprehending PUJs, Team deprives the dispatchers of income.

He said at least 323 PUJs were apprehended for the violation.

Police assistance

Team also wants to enforce the anti-dispatching ordinance not just against PUJs, but Ermac said his enforcers don’t have the numbers and are ill-equipped to apprehend dispatchers, who are allegedly armed.

Upon hearing this, Dugan said they will assess Ermac’s concerns and will provide police personnel to assist traffic enforcers in catching dispatchers and other traffic violators on the streets.

For violating Mandaue City’s anti-dispatching ordinance, the 25 dispatchers will spend 15 days in jail and pay a P6,000-fine each.

Earlier, the Cebu City Police Office apprehended 22 men as part of its campaign to rid Cebu City’s streets of dispatchers.