Friday, December 08, 2006 Barayuga to probe mini terminal racket By Jay Dooma Balnig
ILOILO City Police Director Wesley Barayuga vowed to investigate deeper the existence of mini terminals despite Mayor Jerry Treñas's order to have these stopped.
Barayuga witnessed the continued operation of the terminals along the city roads, which some Traffic Management and Engineering Unit cops and auxiliaries tolerated for so many years.
Two weeks after Treñas ordered for the eradication of the terminals, the practice returned after a week's compliance.
Barayuga directed TMEU Chief, S/Insp. Robert Foerster to explain the "defiance" to the mayor's order.
During Barayuga's inspection, he saw that TMEU cops and auxiliaries continue to give clearance to "barkers."
Barkers are the persons who guide passengers on what jeep to take. The existence of mini terminals violates the franchise of city loop jeepneys and the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (PBO).
Barayuga also expanded the probe on rackets amid allegations that several TMEU cops and auxiliaries receive protection money from the "barker," an informant said.
The "barker" is also used as a front to collect money from drivers who benefit from the terminals./JDB
