Thursday, November 30, 2006 Farmers lament traffic group's 'extortion' in town By Jane Cadalig
COMPLAINTS on rampant extortion from Benguet farmers have prompted the La Trinidad Municipal Government to request the removal of Traffic Management Group (TMG) personnel from the town's main thoroughfares.
A dialogue between the TMG, farmers, and other concerned sectors is set on Thursday for the parties to resolve their respective concerns.
Although admitting he did not receive written complaints regarding the alleged extortion, La Trinidad Mayor Nestor Fongwan said several farmers have been very outspoken in lamenting the alleged irregularities committed by members of the TMG.
"We requested the TMG to temporarily suspend their operations and they agreed until end of this year," Fongwan told reporters.
The move, he said, intends to secure the delivery of vegetables at the trading post, especially since the demand of agricultural commodities is currently at its peak.
Accordingly, vegetable delivery trucks are being flagged down after their transaction at the trading post.
The dialogue aims to gather the recommendations of both parties on how to resolve traffic-related problems.
"We want to get the side of the TMG regarding the complaint and their recommendations on how vehicle operators could help minimize the apprehensions made," Fongwan said.
Other Benguet towns are also reportedly requesting for the suspension of TMG operations in their respective municipalities.
