TAXI drivers association in Baguio City are looking for ways on how to give additional security for drivers plying the different barangays particularly during the evening until the following morning.
This, following the recent killing of taxi driver who was hit at the head by a hammer at Dominican Hill by an 18–year-old construction worker.
James Bolinao, Damper Philippines-Taxi drivers Association Cordillera president, explained an initiative must be done to prevent criminal activity from happening again.
“As per our meeting with Police Station 1 when we requested for a copy of the blotter report for our records, we are looking at discussing with city director Ramil Saculles on what to draft for the petition which we will give to the city council. We would ask the council to create an ordinance creating checkpoints in every barangay of the city that would check all vehicles entering their vicinity which would deter any criminal activities,” Bolinao said.
On August 5, Baguio City Police Office Station 1 arrested Zaldy Matalang Cuycuydo, 18, construction worker, resident of Better Living, Bakakeng Central after hacking to death taxi driver Erwin Mayamay Cueno of Naguey, Atok, Benguet.
“We do not look at the lack of checkpoints in terms of security as a problem but the lack of personnel who would man the checkpoints, and that is why it would possibly be better if we use barangay tanods to man the checkpoints,” Bolinao said.
He said there is a need for force multipliers like the tanods as an important support group of the police in community security.
“Just like the anti-road obstruction program being implemented by the BCPO, probably it would be possible for the barangay tanods to undergo training and be deputized in their barangays who would receive an allowance based on the vehicles they be apprehending,” Bolinao added.
He noted some vehicles in not well-lit areas are being used by criminals as a hiding place whenever the police conduct rounds in the different barangays.