Beware of fake traffic aides

MOTORISTS in Talisay City, southern Cebu are warned that there could be some fake traffic enforcers manning the city’s thoroughfares.

Talisay City Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante issued the warning after a group of men tried to take over traffic outposts around 7 a.m. yesterday.

Villarante, chairman of the City of Talisay-Traffic Operation Development Authority (CT-TODA), said at least 16 people asked members of CT-TODA to leave their posts.

CT-TODA personnel refused to vacate their posts and later reported the incident to Villarante, who in turn met with city mayor Johnny V. De los Reyes.

According to Villarante, the mayor was unaware if there was a new traffic group that had been formed.

Villarante said he later learned that the persons who tried to take over the traffic control were hired by City Administrator John Yre De los Reyes as members of the CT-Admin Traffic Management Team (CT-ATMT).

The supposed members of CT-ATMT were given time cards similar to what has been given to job order employees.

Villarante warned members of CT-ATMT will be arrested if caught on the streets since they were not authorized by the Land Transportation Office and the city government to operate.

Cebu Daily News tried to contact De Los Reyes and his son John Yre but calls to their phones were unanswered./CORRESPONDENT GABRIEL C. BONJOC