AS PART of their intensified road safety campaign, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum warned his personnel that they will be relieved from their post if there are deaths in their area of responsibility.
“Effective today (February 6), they have to deliver, kay kung dili sila maka-deliver, giingnan nako sila, daghan pa’g official nga willing mubarog sa challenge nga gihatag sa atoa sa City Government of Davao. We will implement the law without fear or favor (I told them to deliver or else there are other officials out there who are willing to take the challenge given by the city government of Davao),” Tagum said.
He added, “I have warned my people, pag na pay mamatay na mga rider because walay helmet, then definitely I will relieve them.”
Tagum also vowed to resign from his post if such directive from the local chief executive will not be realized.
On Wednesday, DCPO launched the campaign against Unsafe Driving at the DCPO grounds, Davao City. It focused on the relentless and aggressive operation of local police against persons driving under the influence of liquor and driving without helmet.
It was also the culmination of the Basic Orientation on Traffic Laws specifically on the proper usage of breath analyzer to properly enforce the “No driving under the influence of alcohol.”
A total of 183 participants from the Traffic Group and all traffic investigators of the 12 stations, City Mobile Force Company and Mobile Police Group who attended the seminar which was conducted by the Land Transportation (LTO 11).
Tagum also said apart from the motorcycles which they acquired last Monday, the City Government will also give them breath analyzers for the 12 stations and four for the traffic group for its law enforcement.
These personnel will be deputized by LTO to be deployed on the streets and enforce the traffic laws.
Tagum also challenged the station commanders and even the new traffic group commander, Police Superintendent Nolan Raquid, to lead by example in the operation against traffic violators and deliver the mandate of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
There will be a 24/7 implementation of this campaign to avoid drunk driving road accidents and deaths due to not wearing helmet.
All the enforcers will be deployed in strategic areas. Apart from the national highways, they will likewise conduct operation in the city’s streets where there are bars.
“As a fair warning to our residents and guests in Davao City please avoid driving if you plan to drink outside, do not drive. If you plan to drink, find a driver. Do not drive while under the influence of liquor,” Tagum said.