THE Iloilo City Government was able to get the approval of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to deputize 19 city traffic aides tasked to enforce related national laws, particularly on traffic obstruction.

Iloilo City Administrator Hernando Galvez said they have endorsed 21 names but only 19 made it to the cut. Prior the approval, they underwent series of trainings for them to become equipped with their roles as deputized agents of the LTO.

“Hopefully, we will be able to deploy them after the Dinagyang Festival,” Galvez said on Monday, January 16. They will be initially assisted by police auxiliary once they are deployed.

In addition to traffic aides, the City Government is now in the process of securing required documents to also deputize selected village officials.

The move to deputize traffic aides and village officials was initiated to rid portions of major roads, especially those situated in villages, of traffic violators, of traffic obstruction like illegal parking violators.

As deputized agents, they can use the local temporary operator’s permit issued by the City Government or that of the LTO, Galvez added.

He mentioned they are now finding ways to provide them with vehicles to aid their mobility. (PNA)