PANIC lights in taxicabs have greatly reduced robbery cases in Cagayan de Oro City said Councilor Ian Mark Q. Nacaya, who called on all taxi operators to install such equipment in their units.
Nacaya, chairman of public utilities committee, said law enforcement agencies should press taxis to comply, noting that a number of operators have remained defiant with the ordinance.
Under the ordinance, violator will face a fine of P1,500 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense and P3,000 for the third offense. Succeeding offenses may cost operators their franchise.
The panic light-installed atop the taxi unit-works by pressing a button near the driver in case of robber or emergency situations.
Nacaya underscored the equipment's importance saying it does not only protect drivers but passengers as well.
Nacaya said the equipment-a cone-shaped, 12-volt bulb-would only cost operators P200 per unit.
The ordinance requiring its installation came about after Cagayan Federation of Taxi Drivers Association (Cafetada), in the wake of the series of taxi robberies last year. (Nicole J. Managbanag)